The registration of candidates for the Kuwaiti National Assembly elections will close on Sunday, with 183 male and female nominees registered so far in the five constituencies. Elections are scheduled for June 6.
Among them is former Speaker of the National Assembly, Marzouq al-Ghanim, who submitted his candidacy to the Department of Elections Affairs at the Ministry of Interior for the second constituency.
Al-Ghanim accused Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad al-Nawaf of violating the Emir's speech, delivered by the Crown Prince earlier this year, during which he spoke of the state's neutrality and non-interference in the elections.
He said the prime minister has turned a blind eye to bribery paid by unnamed parties and has ordered candidates to influence the elections.
In a letter addressed to the PM, al-Ghanim accused him of violating the constitution, recalling the Emir’s speech on non-interference in the elections.
He claimed that a member of the ruling family was meddling in the elections and was meeting with some candidates and lawmakers.
He urged the PM to take action to put a stop to such activity.
Moreover, he accused some members of the ruling family of clearly and blatantly supporting candidates loyal to them to ensure their success in the elections.
Al-Ghanim warned that the prime minister, not the royal family member, will be held accountable if this continues.
"It is the responsibility of the prime minister and the cabinet to be impartial and not to interfere in the elections, either directly or indirectly," he stressed.
After submitting his candidacy, al-Ghanim said he was running in the elections to regain the confidence of the voters he represents, adding that he would serve Kuwaitis from any position, whether he was the Speaker or a lawmaker.
