Former Deputies Lead Candidate Lineup in Kuwait National Assembly Elections

The Kuwaiti Interior Ministry’s Elections Affairs Administration began receiving applications from candidates for upcoming National Assembly elections (KUNA)
The Kuwaiti Interior Ministry’s Elections Affairs Administration began receiving applications from candidates for upcoming National Assembly elections (KUNA)
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Former Deputies Lead Candidate Lineup in Kuwait National Assembly Elections

The Kuwaiti Interior Ministry’s Elections Affairs Administration began receiving applications from candidates for upcoming National Assembly elections (KUNA)
The Kuwaiti Interior Ministry’s Elections Affairs Administration began receiving applications from candidates for upcoming National Assembly elections (KUNA)

The first day of registration for Kuwait’s National Assembly (parliament) elections saw 42 candidates, including two women, stepping forward.
The Interior Ministry’s Elections Affairs Administration began receiving applications from candidates for the 18th legislative session of parliamentary elections, marking the start of a 10-day candidacy period.
Former National Assembly Speaker Ahmed Al-Saadoun and former deputy Marzouq Al-Khalifa were among the early registrants.
On his part, Al-Saadoun highlighted the importance of upcoming reforms, while emphasizing citizen engagement and informed choices.
“We are heading towards reformist issues in the upcoming assembly unprecedented in Kuwait’s history,” said Al-Saadoun, stressing the consensus of 48 members on legislative priorities as groundbreaking.
Other candidates, such as Ahmad Larie, Omar Al-Tabtabaie, Abdul Kareem Al-Kandari, Abdul Wahab Al-Essa, Badr Aldahoum, Fahad Al-Muweizri, Ali Al-Daqbasi, Fahad Al-Burjis Al-Eid, Fares Al-Otaibi, Issa Hajji Musa, Ahmed Mohammed Bin Samim Al-Otaibi, and Saadoun Hammad, also submitted their candidacies.
Former deputy Dr. Janan Bushahri announced her candidacy on “X.”
According to the Ministry of Interior, candidates for the National Assembly must be Kuwaiti citizens by birth, meet voter qualifications, be listed on an electoral roll, be able to read and write Arabic, and be at least 30 years old on election day.
Candidates must not have prior convictions for dishonorable, untrustworthy, or blasphemous acts, unless cleared legally.
To run, candidates must pay a 50 Kuwaiti dinar deposit ($160 USD) for charity, refundable if they withdraw or receive less than one-tenth of valid votes. Proof of payment is required with the nomination application.



Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)

The last group of pilgrims from this year’s Hajj season departed Saudi Arabia on Sunday aboard a Saudia flight from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

The flight carried 320 pilgrims to Kertajati, Indonesia, after they completed their Hajj rituals. Saudia, the Kingdom’s flag carrier, hosted a farewell ceremony, concluding its 74-day Hajj operations.

The first flight for this year’s Hajj season arrived in Madinah on May 9 from India with 283 pilgrims.

They were welcomed by the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah.

Saudi Arabia facilitated 7,700 flights through six airports and provided over 27,000 buses to ease pilgrim transportation. The Haramain High-Speed Railway operated more than 5,000 trips during the season.

Over 1.8 million pilgrims participated in the last Hajj season. Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel confirmed there were no health issues or outbreaks.

The organization of Hajj was praised by leaders of Arab and Islamic countries.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi commended the excellent organization and services provided to millions of pilgrims.

Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa praised the meticulous organization and services.

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah appreciated the modern smart services and technologies.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted the success of Saudi Arabia’s Hajj management.