Analysis: “Kuwait Needs Reforms Before Elections”

Writing for Reuters Africa, Sami Aboudi suggests that “holding elections [in Kuwait] without addressing the root causes of the country’s political paralysis risks creating a deeper crisis.” Kuwait’s political crisis has “virtually blocked” development of oil and infrastructure development plans from being debated or approved by the government, Aboudi says. He adds, “The key shift in recent months has been increased calls for a change in the division of power that has lasted since independence. This would allow the formation of political parties which would compete in elections and have a say in forming the cabinet.” According to Aboudi, parliament has become increasingly insistent about acting on its powers of supervision over cabinet appointments and spending.

In recent weeks, Kuwaiti Emir Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah dissolved parliament citing “deteriorating conditions” amid alleged high-level corruption and named a new prime minister.