Kuwait elects it's Parliament in a calm democratic move

KUWAIT May 17, 2008 6:40 GMT – Today, Kuwait will elect its new parliament, succeeding the previously dissolved one.

One million four hundred thousand registered voters will elect fifty new members out of 275 candidates. For the second time in Kuwait democratic history, women are allowed to be elected as members of parliament. There are 29 women candidates. In the previous elections almost two years ago, women did participate but none were elected.

The previous parliament was dissolved about two months ago by His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait due to lack of cooperation between it and the government. According to the constitution, The Amir have the right to dissolve the parliament if he sees that cooperation between it and the government is impossible.

Starting from 8:00 am Kuwait time (6:00 GMT) until 8:00 pm KWT time, the people will be heading to the polls to participate in the democratic act. Today is Saturday which is the week end’s holiday.