Kuwait's Former Speaker Accuses Govt of Interfering in Upcoming Elections

Kuwaiti voters queue at a polling station during elections in September 2022. (KUNA)
Kuwaiti voters queue at a polling station during elections in September 2022. (KUNA)
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Kuwait's Former Speaker Accuses Govt of Interfering in Upcoming Elections

Kuwaiti voters queue at a polling station during elections in September 2022. (KUNA)
Kuwaiti voters queue at a polling station during elections in September 2022. (KUNA)

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.



UAE Interior Ministry: Extensive Search Underway for Missing Moldovan Man

UAE flag flies over a boat at Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates May 22, 2015. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah/File Photo
UAE flag flies over a boat at Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates May 22, 2015. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah/File Photo
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UAE Interior Ministry: Extensive Search Underway for Missing Moldovan Man

UAE flag flies over a boat at Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates May 22, 2015. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah/File Photo
UAE flag flies over a boat at Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates May 22, 2015. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah/File Photo

The UAE Ministry of Interior said on Saturday that it "received a report from the family of a Moldovan national named Zvi Kogan, stating that he had been missing and out of contact since last Thursday”.
The ministry confirmed that "relevant authorities began extensive search and investigation operations immediately upon receiving the report”, the UAE’s official news agency WAM reported Sunday.
The ministry also urged the public to obtain accurate information from official sources and not get misled by “malicious” rumors.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs is "closely following the case of the missing Moldovan citizen Zvi Kogan, maintaining communication with his family, and providing all necessary support”, it added..
Majed Al Mansouri, Director of the Foreign Nationals Affairs Department at the ministry, affirmed that the Ministry is closely monitoring the case and is in close contact with his family to provide them with all means of necessary support.
He also highlighted that the Ministry is in continuous contact with the Embassy of Moldova in Abu Dhabi in this regard.