Pollsters predict huge victory for Kuwait opposition

Manama: Kuwaitis voted in a snap election for their fourth parliament in less than six years, with pollsters predicting a solid victory for the Islamist-led opposition.

Ballots closed at 1700 GMT with people still inside polling stations. The count began immediately at some centres. The vote, which followed an especially tense campaign marred by violence, seeks to end political disputes that have damaged the country for years.

Female voters make up 54 per cent of the electorate, and 23 women are among 286 candidates standing for the 50-seat legislative body.

Early voter traffic was low but picked up rapidly later, especially in tribal constituencies where men stood in long queues.

The Kuwait News Agency (Kuna) said turnout was about 60 per cent one hour before the close, already higher than the 58 per cent recorded in 2009 election.

Kuna reported that 238,308 voters cast their ballots between 8am and 7pm. The ballot counting will be by hand.

In Sabah Al Salem, a tribal area 20 kilometres south of Kuwait City, male voters showed up in large numbers with less than an hour left before closing.

The voters sounded optimistic. Pollsters and analysts expect the 400,000-strong electorate to deliver a resounding victory for the Islamist-led opposition which has campaigned vigorously for fundamental reforms and against corruption.

“We are very optimistic that the opposition will achieve a majority in the next parliament,” former Islamist MP Walid Al Tabtabai told AFP.

“I am hopeful that disputes will diminish because the opposition will strengthen its presence.”

Concern

Some voters expressed concern that the election, which came after one of the most aggressive campaigns since Kuwait introduced democracy in 1962, would not help restore stability.

“The atmosphere is unhealthy and highly charged... because sectarian and tribal tensions are negatively impacting our country,” former oil minister Adel Al Sabeeh told AFP.

“The opposition is likely to boost its strength but I think we are headed for more disputes.”

— With inputs from AFP