Kuwait announces procedures for December 5 elections
Six polling stations across Gulf state for citizens infected by COVID-19
Kuwait City: With the National Assembly (parliamentary) elections only four days away, the Kuwaiti government has laid out the procedures for this year’s election cycle.
All citizens must adhere to the health requirements: Wear a mask and gloves, practise social distancing and have temperatures taken before entering polling stations.
In addition, congregating inside and outside polling stations (most schools that will be re-purposed for polling day) is prohibited.
The polling stations will open at 8am and close at 8pm. Citizens are required to visit designated polling stations within their electoral district.
This year the government has created an online platform that allows citizens to upload their information and locate their assigned polling station.
Patients infected with COVID-19
Given that the elections will be taking place amidst a pandemic, the government announced there will be six polling stations, one in each governorate, for those infected by COVID-19.
Last week, the Fatwa and Legislation Department concluded everybody has the constitutional right to participate in the election process.
The reason why the decision was referred to the department is because of a law that stipulates that individuals who are quarantining are not allowed to leave their homes, as it is punishable by imprisonment or fine.