Kuwait to Hold Elections Without the Commission

A Kuwaiti woman casts her vote in previous elections for the National Assembly (KUNA)
A Kuwaiti woman casts her vote in previous elections for the National Assembly (KUNA)
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Kuwait to Hold Elections Without the Commission

A Kuwaiti woman casts her vote in previous elections for the National Assembly (KUNA)
A Kuwaiti woman casts her vote in previous elections for the National Assembly (KUNA)

Kuwait issued a decree on Wednesday temporarily suspending the National Assembly’s election law until Oct. 1.

The government has not set a date for the elections, but they are expected to be held on April 13, immediately after the Eid al-Fitr holiday.

The decree published in the Official Gazette (Kuwait al-Youm) regarding the 2024 National Assembly elections stipulated that a voter who has been convicted by final judgment of a felony, a crime against honor or trust, or a crime of insulting the divine entity, the prophets, or the Emir, shall be prohibited from voting unless rehabilitated.

The memorandum explained that the decree is aligned with the procedural rules of previous National Assembly elections and maintains all the guarantees and gains approved by the temporarily suspended law, including determining the electoral domicile according to the official data specified in the national ID to avoid tampering with the electoral restrictions.

Regarding the suspension of the Elections Commission Law, the memorandum explained that it was impossible to appoint judges to lead the commission within a short time as required by the suspended law.

Judges who join the commission will be required to resign from their work in the judiciary and lose the benefits of their position under the law and the letter sent by the head of the Court of Cassation and the President of the Supreme Council of Judges to the Minister of Justice.

Kuwaiti constitutional expert Mohammed al-Faili explained that the decree addresses the impossibility of implementing the electoral law because judges refuse to be appointed to the administrative body to monitor the electoral process.

Faili further noted that given that the law could not be implemented, and according to the Constitution, elections must be held within two months, and the decree was necessary legislation in the absence of parliament, which could be inferred as a law.

He noted that after suspending the mechanism stipulated for establishing the Elections Commission, the remaining provisions were restored, and the former election management mechanism was used, where the Ministry of Interior is responsible for updating voter lists with an urgent mechanism.

Faili clarified that this decree adopted the text of the postponed Commission law but kept its old provisions in effect, and in this regard, whoever obtained rehabilitation will benefit from it.



Saudi Arabia Shares Security Expertise with Syrian Delegation

The Syrian delegation reviewed Saudi Arabia's security practices (SPA)
The Syrian delegation reviewed Saudi Arabia's security practices (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Shares Security Expertise with Syrian Delegation

The Syrian delegation reviewed Saudi Arabia's security practices (SPA)
The Syrian delegation reviewed Saudi Arabia's security practices (SPA)

The Saudi Ministry of Interior hosted a Syrian security delegation from April 14 to 16 to review the Kingdom's security practices and benefit from its expertise.

This move is part of Riyadh’s ongoing efforts to support the Syrian government in achieving security and stability, while preserving Syria's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

The Syrian Ministry of Interior, in a statement carried by the official news agency SANA, confirmed that a delegation recently visited Riyadh on an official trip “to promote bilateral cooperation in the fields of security and policing.”

The ministry added that the visit aimed to examine Saudi security practices and benefit from its advanced expertise in related security areas, which would help develop Syria’s security framework and enhance its ability to confront emerging challenges.

The statement noted that this initiative is part of efforts to strengthen ties between the two nations, with Syria committed to supporting joint cooperation that serves national interests and promotes security and stability in the region.

Earlier in February, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh, marking his first foreign visit since his appointment.

During their meeting, the two leaders discussed the latest developments in Syria, strategies to support its security and stability, and ways to enhance bilateral relations across various sectors.

In a statement published by Syria’s official news agency SANA, al-Sharaa said, “We sensed and heard a genuine desire to support Syria in building its future, along with a commitment to uphold the will of the Syrian people and the unity and integrity of its territory.”

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, following a meeting with a Syrian delegation in Riyadh earlier this year, stated, “The time has come for Syria to stabilize, rebuild, and make the most of its resources, most importantly its brotherly Syrian people.”

In a post on X, the Saudi defense minister described the meeting as “fruitful.”

On February 25, Saudi Arabia welcomed the convening of the Syrian National Dialogue Conference, expressing hope that it would contribute to fulfilling the aspirations of the Syrian people and strengthening national unity.

In a statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its support for efforts to build Syrian state institutions, foster stability, and improve the well-being of its citizens.

The statement also reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to Syria’s security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.