'Real democracy' needed in Kuwait

Kuwait: A government suggestion to reduce the country's 25 constituencies down to five or ten, has taken central stage in Kuwaiti society.

The suggestion, which many segments support, has also raised controversy among Kuwaitis, where tribal and family influence play a vital role in voting during elections.

Many, including members of political parties which are not allowed in Kuwait and take the form of political groupings, support the reduction saying it will limit tribal influence.

"It is time to implement real democracy through the reduction of election circles," wrote Dr Shaffeq Al Gabra, college professor in political science in the daily Al Rai Alam newspaper.

Opinion divided

Islamic Constitutional Movement (ICM) spokes-man Dr Mohammad Al Bosuari, has also confirmed via the media several times that the ICM approves the proposal to cut the number of constituencies to five.

However, Mofareg Salem a Kuwaiti schoolteacher, 35, said: "We have more new residents' areas so we should have more constituencies instead of shrinking them."

"I feel sorry for those who believe fewer constituencies can jeopardise their chances of winning any seats in the 2007 election. Kuwait is a small country and if the USA has two main parties with its 50 states I guess we should reduce the available number and act like a civilised country," said Mesharei Naser, 45, a Kuwaiti businessman.

Nadia Muslem, 19, a student said: "I think it's better to have five constituencies so MPs will be elected on their qualifications and not on how many services and how much 'wasta' they can offer their voters."

Boushra Khalid, 20, also a student said: "Some people are trying to describe the situation as a competition over power and authority between tribes and city dwellers but it is not."

The writer is a journalist based in Kuwait