Kuwaiti Parliament Dissolved; Elections Within 60 Days

Kuwaiti Emir Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah has dissolved parliament citing “deteriorating conditions” amid alleged high-level corruption. The decision came less than a week after he named a new prime minister and parliament sessions were put on hold, and elections will be held within 60 days, though no exact date was given. “Due to the deteriorating conditions that led to obstruction of process of achievements and threatened the country’s higher interests, it became necessary to resort to the people to select their representatives, overcome existing obstacles and realize national interests,” said a statement from the emir on the Kuwait News Agency.

According to the emir, political tensions have obstructed Kuwait’s national progress. The dissolution comes after Kuwaiti PM Sheikh Nasser Al Mohammad Al-Sabah was replaced by former Defense Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah. Last month, thousands stormed parliament  and called for the its dissolution after the emir initially ruled out dissolving the body or seeking the resignation of the PM.