Kuwait
Kuwait is a Gulf state exhibiting largely mid-level performance across all four categories of the Global State of Democracy’s conceptual framework. It performs in the high range for Basic Welfare but falls within the bottom 25 per cent of the world with regard to Free Political Parties, Political Equality, Gender Equality and Freedom of Religion. Over the last five years, there have been no notable changes in levels of performance. Largely owing to its oil reserves, it is one of the richest countries in the world, measured in GDP per capita, and boasts high levels of socioeconomic development. Despite general stability, Kuwait’s politics over the last five years have been marked by turbulence and change, with snap parliamentary elections, a rare leadership succession and persistent political gridlock.
The origin of Kuwait dates back to early migrants in the 18th century, who eventually appointed a sheikh from the Sabah family to lead them. The country was controlled by the Ottomans, followed by the British, before achieving independence in 1961. Kuwait has an executive appointed by the ruling Sabah family and a popularly elected parliament (though candidates run as individuals and not as members of political parties, which are banned) that can be dissolved by decree. The regionally unique independence of the Kuwaiti parliament is a key strength, and its ability to check the executive to a certain degree is notable. Yet entrenched conflict with the executive has led to some friction and the repeated dissolution of the legislature, most recently in 2022. Such friction has been compounded by factional struggles within the ruling family. Beyond this core conflict, tribal kinship ties and the politics of citizenship may also be viewed as constitutive features of Kuwaiti politics. In terms of the former, tribes (and ideological leanings) serve as important forms of political organization in the absence of a political party system. This has also resulted in a key cleavage between urban-based segments of society and tribal Islamists (particularly Salafis) in outlying areas.
Another cleavage exists between citizens and non-citizens; roughly 70 per cent of the country’s residents are non-citizens -- primarily overseas contract laborers – who do not enjoy full rights, are dependent on their employers under a restrictive kafala sponsorship system and have few prospects for naturalization. Beyond foreign workers, the stateless Bidoon community, minority Arab groups who were unwilling or unable to gain citizenship at independent, are also marginalized economically, politically and socially. While gender equality generally occupies a regionally favorable position – particularly in terms of education with women even outnumbering men in university study – it still remains limited, with only a few leadership positions being occupied by women (5 per cent).
Looking ahead, it will be important to watch the references by the crown prince to introduce forceful measures, should the existing gridlock not be resolved. While uncertain, expert opinions indicate that this may possibly include a declaration of martial law, impacting Representation and Rights categories. Corruption is also salient and often tied to domestic political crises. The Anti-Corruption Authority has become increasingly active, which could potentially impact Rule of Law performance in the medium term. Finally, the recently initiated Women’s Empowerment Program addresses a number of weaknesses – including the number of women in leadership positions – which may impact Rights in the years ahead.
Monthly Event Reports
June 2023 | Kuwaitis elect another opposition-led parliament, raising fears of continued deadlock
Kuwaitis voting in the country’s snap general election on 6 June elected a parliament in which opposition candidates (those not tied to Kuwait’s ruling family) hold 29 of the National Assembly’s 50 elected seats. The election was called after the Constitutional Court annulled the results of the September 2022 election in March 2023 and reinstated the previous parliament, which was in turn dissolved on 1 May 2023. The composition of the new parliament is similar to the one elected in 2022 (37 members retained their seat) and has given rise to concerns that it will mean a continuation of the deadlock between an assertive, elected parliament and the Emir-appointed government, which has paralysed the country’s politics. Only one female MP was elected, down from two in 2022. Women’s rights activists have attributed the decline to the growing influence of tribal and Islamist MPs. Voter turnout was 59.3 per cent (up from 50 per cent in 2022).
November 2022 | Execution of seven prisoners draws widespread condemnation
In the first use of the death penalty in Kuwait since 2017 (when seven people were killed), seven convicted individuals were killed by Kuwaiti authorities in a mass execution on 16 November. Only four were Kuwaiti nationals; the others were from Pakistan, Syria, and Ethiopia. All seven had been convicted of murder. The use of the death penalty has prompted international condemnation from the United Nations, European Union and Amnesty International, with the United Nations Human Rights Office spokesperson describing it as a “deeply regrettable step backwards by the Kuwaiti authorities.”
September 2022 | Election boycott ended but election candidates arrested
Legislative elections were held in Kuwait on 29 September. For the first time in a decade, they took place with the participation of opposition candidates, who ended a boycott that began over concerns of election integrity. Changes to electoral rules, which had the stated intention of preventing vote buying and manipulation, were introduced ahead of these elections. Opposition candidates now constitute 33 of the 50-member National Assembly. Notable too was the fact that two women MPs were elected - the preceding legislature was all male, although there have previously been women MPs. Voter turnout was approximately 50 per cent, down from 60 per cent in the last legislative elections in 2020. Prior to the election, three candidates were arrested for participating in a peaceful protest over the status of the Bedoon community, a stateless Arab minority in the country.
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