Kuwait Emir accepts Cabinet's resignation after poll

Kuwait : Emir Shaikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah has accepted Cabinet's resignation following Saturday's parliamentary elections.

Kuwaiti official news agency reported that an Emiri decree issued on Monday said that Prime Minister Shaikh Nasser Al Mohammad Al Sabah will continue to head the new Cabinet. The present government will handle the national affairs until a new Cabinet is appointed, it added.

Furthermore, the new parliament will resume its duties on June 1.

Speaking to Gulf News, Haila Al Mekaimi, Professor of Political Science in Kuwait University, said that the 40 per cent of new faces were expected because of the new electoral system which reduced the number of constituencies to five from 25.

"Government attempts to clampdown on the conduct of illegal tribal primary elections had its impact on the outcome."

Regarding women's rout in the elections for the second consecutive time, Al Mekaimi said Kuwaiti women should not give up their fighting spirit. "Kuwaiti women have a long way to go." she said.

Blaming the liberal National Democratic Alliance for women's failure to enter parliament, Al Mekaimi said that the alliance has contributed to voters' confusion in the Third constituency.

"By supporting a particular female candidate in this district where other potential candidates with broader support ran for office, the alliance created confusion among voters," she explained.

Stating that reform and development are no longer options, Al Mekaimi said that the new MPs must be aware of the citizens' expectations.

- Laila Ali is a journalist based in Kuwait