International   

Kuwaitis vote for new Parliament

KUWAIT CITY: Kuwaitis lined up on Saturday to vote in landmark parliamentary elections that could substantially change the legislative body of this oil-rich Gulf emirate following electoral reforms to reduce corruption and vote buying.

The elections come after Kuwait’s ruler, Sheik Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah, dissolved Parliament in March in the wake of increasingly acrimonious relationship between the Cabinet — appointed by the ruler — and the 50-member legislative body.

It’s hoped that the new Parliament would be more representative and be able to better work with the government’s ministers.

Sawsan al-Mahmeed, a civil servant, said she was tired of the “cycle of crises between the two powers” and was voting for a change.

Part of that big change in Kuwait’s politics is also the role of women, who starting in 2005, can now run for office.

While none were elected in the 2006 contests, hopes are high this time around for the 27 women vying for office together with 248 men.

“We need to try women, we have to give them a chance,” said Ms. Al-Mahmeed, as she left the women’s-only polling station.

Behind her, long lines of women could be seen waiting to vote. — AP

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Now, threat of lake burst
Prachanda warns Koirala
Taliban releases Pakistan envoy
Commonwealth: reform global institutions
Who will stop Hillary Clinton?
Significant gains made: Sri Lanka
Kuwaitis vote for new Parliament
Postpones return

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu