The Opposition won the near majority in Kuwait’s early election by claiming 24 out of 50 seats.
Candidates that have won from the Opposition’s side belong to the Islamist groups reportedly have association with Muslim Brotherhood and Salafists.
Snap polls were called by Emir Sabeh al Ahmad al Sabah over the economic policy gridlock. This is the 4th election since 2012.
The previous ones were boycotted by the opposition parties in protest against the voting system in place by the Emir.
Shia minority have been reduced to 6 seats from 9 in the previous assembly.
Safa Al Hasshem is the only woman to have won a seat in the new assembly. There were 15 other women candidates in the running, all of whom lost subsequently. This is Safa’s third parliamentary victory.
One-third of the new Parliament is filled with newer and younger members.
More than 1/2 the members of the outgoing parliament failed to grab the seat in the new assembly.
Elections saw the highest ever voter turnout at close to 70 percent. Results increase the chance of political conflict in the state
Kuwait is the only Gulf State that gives elected parliament powers to hold ministers accountable.
Know Kuwait- Arab country located in the Persian Arabian gulf
- It is known for its modern architecture
- Capital: Kuwait City
- Currency: Kuwaiti dinar
- Population: 3.369 million (as per World Bank 2013 estimate)
- Official languages: Arabic, Modern Standard Arabic
