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Kuwait National Assembly Election Nomination Ends: 255 Candidates, 14 Women

Closing of voter registration for the National Assembly elections in Kuwait (KUNA)
Closing of voter registration for the National Assembly elections in Kuwait (KUNA)
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Kuwait National Assembly Election Nomination Ends: 255 Candidates, 14 Women

Closing of voter registration for the National Assembly elections in Kuwait (KUNA)
Closing of voter registration for the National Assembly elections in Kuwait (KUNA)

At the close of registration of candidates for Kuwait’s National Assembly (parliament) elections, the Ministry of Interior’s Elections Affairs Department revealed that 258 candidates had applied across the country’s five districts.

After 3 withdrew, the final count settled at 255, including 14 women, the Department disclosed on Wednesday.

The last day saw 37 candidates, including 7 women, sign up, marking the highest daily intake since registration began earlier this month.

Forty-seven candidates are running in the first constituency, 53 in the second, 37 in the third and as many as 68 in the fourth and 50 hopefuls in the fifth electoral district. Eight of the 14 female candidates are contesting in the third district.

Comparatively, the previous elections in 2023 saw 207 candidates, including 15 women, vying for seats.

A scrutiny committee is now gearing up to review candidate qualifications and ensure they meet the necessary criteria for political office. This judicial body, working alongside the Interior Ministry, allows disqualified individuals to appeal within a set timeframe.

A decree-law issued on February 22 temporarily suspended certain provisions of the Election Commission Law until October 1 of the following year.

The decree-law for the 2024 National Assembly elections prohibits candidacy for those convicted of serious crimes, unless their status has been rehabilitated.

The aim is to maintain procedural integrity from previous elections while preserving essential guarantees and provisions. This includes using official civil ID data to prevent manipulation and ensuring rehabilitated individuals aren’t disenfranchised.

Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Acting Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Al-Sabah has divided election committees across the districts: 93 in the first, 91 in the second, 135 in the third, 201 in the fourth, and 239 in the fifth.

The 2024 National Assembly elections are set for Thursday, April 4, falling on the 25th of Islam’s holy month of fasting, Ramadan. It’s the second time Kuwait holds parliamentary elections during Ramadan.

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Saudi Arabia Pursues Efforts to Quell Sudan Crisis

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)
Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Pursues Efforts to Quell Sudan Crisis

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)
Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji at the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan (SPA)

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji reaffirmed the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to resolve the Sudanese crisis. He expressed Saudi Arabia’s openness to international initiatives aimed at bringing peace to Sudan.
At the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan, held in Djibouti, Al-Khuraiji discussed the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to resolve the Sudanese crisis.
He mentioned that Saudi Arabia, in partnership with the United States, facilitated talks between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, leading to the Jeddah Declaration on May 11, 2023, which aimed to protect civilians.
Al-Khuraiji also noted the continuation of talks with the involvement of the African Union and IGAD, emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s support for African-led solutions.
He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to restoring stability in Sudan and urged all parties to act with wisdom, show restraint, and support positive initiatives.
Al-Khuraiji also met with EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, Annette Weber, on the sidelines of the consultative meeting.
In separate meetings, he also met with the UN Envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, and US Special Envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello.
During these meetings, they reviewed the latest developments in Sudan, explored ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, and discussed topics of mutual interest.
The Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum) expressed support for international and regional meetings, hoping they would bring positive results to ease the suffering of the Sudanese people.
They urged the need that discussions focus on ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those in need, protecting civilians, and achieving an immediate ceasefire.
Taqaddum highlighted the importance of international legal frameworks for civilian protection and safe passageways during the conflict.
They called on international and regional partners to quickly bring both sides back to negotiations, build on the Jeddah agreements, and secure a binding ceasefire with effective monitoring.
Taqaddum also stressed the need for a unified negotiation platform to achieve peace.