Sunday 16 October 2016

Emir of Kuwait Dissolves Parliament over ‘Escalating Regional Developments’

Kuwait- The Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al-Sabah, has issued a decree to dissolve the country’s parliament, due to “regional circumstances” and “security challenges.”


The decision came following a meeting between Sheikh Sabah and Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak, in the presence of Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad.


The official KUNA state news agency said the announcement followed an emergency government meeting at Bayan Palace on Sunday.


No date was set for the parliamentary elections. But according to the constitution, elections should take place within two months after the parliament is dissolved.


In a statement, KUNA said: “His Highness the Emir has issued a decree to dissolve Parliament, per Clause no. 107 of the Constitution.”


“The decree has been laid out after examination of the Constitution’s Clause no.107 and due to mounting security challenges as well as volatile regional developments,” the statement added.


Article 107 of the Kuwaiti Constitution provides that the Emir may dissolve the National Assembly by a decree in which the reasons for dissolution shall be indicated.


In the event of dissolution, elections for the new assembly shall be held within a period not exceeding two months from the date of dissolution.


In a statement following the Cabinet meeting, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah Mubarak Al-Sabah said the ministers discussed the escalating developments in the region and their repercussions on all levels.


“This has necessitated referring to the people, the source of all powers, to elect representatives who can express their orientations and expectations, and who can effectively take part in countering these challenges,” the minister added.


The move came less than 24 hours after Parliament Speaker Marzouk al-Ghanim called for parliamentary elections in the face of security and economic challenges.


At least three Kuwaiti deputies had earlier filed requests to debrief Cabinet ministers over a decision to hike petrol prices and over alleged financial and administrative violations.



Emir of Kuwait Dissolves Parliament over ‘Escalating Regional Developments’

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