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Kuwait Elections: Rise of Populist Rhetoric, Reform Demands Decline Before Polls

Election rally for one of the candidates in Kuwait’s 2024 National Assembly elections
Election rally for one of the candidates in Kuwait’s 2024 National Assembly elections
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Kuwait Elections: Rise of Populist Rhetoric, Reform Demands Decline Before Polls

Election rally for one of the candidates in Kuwait’s 2024 National Assembly elections
Election rally for one of the candidates in Kuwait’s 2024 National Assembly elections

Kuwaiti authorities are investigating a case involving the manipulation of special elections targeting a specific group in Kuwaiti society ahead of the 2024 National Assembly (parliament) elections.

In a statement released on “X”, Kuwait’s Public Prosecution stated that it has ordered the arrest of two suspects and is in the process of apprehending the remaining individuals, with investigations ongoing.

Over the past two years, the Kuwaiti government has implemented reforms to curb political corruption and reduce the influence of powerful tribal groups, including cracking down on by-elections and enforcing voter registration through civil ID cards to prevent vote-buying.

Several candidates for the 2024 National Assembly elections have been disqualified for failing to meet eligibility criteria, including previous convictions related to by-elections.

Candidates must not have prior felony convictions or convictions for crimes compromising honor, integrity, or religious and royal entities, unless rehabilitated.

As Kuwait's National Assembly elections approach, candidates are using gatherings during Islam’s holy month of Ramadan to connect with voters.

These gatherings, usually held in diwaniyas, are fewer this time. Candidates talk about everyday concerns like financial support and debt relief, promising solutions.

While some discuss political reform and anti-corruption measures, most focus on appealing to voters with immediate promises.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Kuwaiti writer Nasser Al-Abdali expressed concern about the lack of serious agendas in the elections, blaming it on the absence of clear ideologies.

He pointed out that without strong political movements, proposals have become purely populist.

Al-Abdali criticized the government’s role in this trend, saying they now face a choice between meeting populist demands or risking the integrity of the parliamentary system.

He also noted a surge in young candidates offering fresh ideas based on their own experiences in various fields, unlike older deputies who tend to repeat past strategies.

According to lawyer Abdulaziz Boumajdad, there’s nothing groundbreaking in the candidates’ proposals.

“While each presents solutions in their own way, the overall approach remains similar,” Boumajdad told Asharq Al-Awsat.

It is noteworthy that these elections are the third in Kuwait within two years, following previous rounds in September 2022 and March 2023, which were invalidated due to legal issues.

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Gulf

Arab Parliament Speaker Condemns Continued Iranian Attacks against Arab States

Arab Parliament Speaker Condemns Continued Iranian Attacks against Arab States
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Arab Parliament Speaker Condemns Continued Iranian Attacks against Arab States

Arab Parliament Speaker Condemns Continued Iranian Attacks against Arab States

Speaker of the Arab Parliament Mohammed bin Ahmed Al-Yamahi renewed his strong condemnation of the continued blatant and repeated Iranian attacks targeting several Arab countries.

In a statement on Wednesday, Al-Yamahi said that these attacks violate the rules of international law and the Charter of the United Nations and constitute a direct threat to regional and international peace and security. He noted that targeting residential areas, civilian facilities, and vital infrastructure, and the resulting civilian casualties, represent a grave violation of international humanitarian law.

He stressed that this aggression poses a direct threat to the pan-Arab national security, reiterating that the security of Arab states is indivisible and that any attack on one Arab country is an attack on the entire Arab nation.

He called on Iran to immediately cease all hostile actions and respect the sovereignty of Arab states and the principles of good neighborliness.

Al-Yamahi also praised the vigilance and efficiency of the armed forces in the Arab countries targeted by these attacks, commending their ability to confront them, protect their territories, and safeguard their capabilities.

The speaker reaffirmed the Arab Parliament's full support for the measures taken by these countries to preserve their security and sovereignty, in accordance with their legitimate right to self-defense.

Gulf

GCC Hails Kuwait on Arrest of Hezbollah Cell

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi.
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi.
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GCC Hails Kuwait on Arrest of Hezbollah Cell

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi.
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi.

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi praised on Tuesday security authorities in Kuwait on their arrest of a “terrorist cell affiliated with Hezbollah.”

In a statement, he condemned its plans to target Kuwait’s security and stability.

“This security achievement reflects the high level of vigilance and efficiency of Kuwaiti authorities and their ability to deal decisively and proactively with terrorist threats” to protect lives and maintain security, he added.

He stressed the GCC’s “firm and unwavering rejection of all forms of terrorism and extremism, underscoring the full support of the GCC member states for all measures taken by Kuwait to maintain its security and stability, safeguard its sovereignty, and confront anyone who may seek to undermine its security or threaten the safety of its citizens and residents.”

“GCC member states will remain united in confronting terrorism, continuing to strengthen the collective security system and consolidate stability in the region, in a manner that serves the interests of their peoples and preserves their achievements,” he added.

The Kuwaiti Interior Ministry had on Monday announced the arrest of 14 Kuwaiti and Lebanese people for belonging to a Hezbollah terrorist cell that was plotting to destabilize the country and recruit new members.

A ministry spokesman said they plotted to undermine state sovereignty and stir instability in order to stoke chaos and harm public order.

They were arrested in possession of firearms and ammunition, as well as weapons used for assassinations. They also possessed drones, drugs, maps, money and arms used for training.

The detainees were referred to the Public Prosecution.

Gulf

Qatar, Jordan Condemn Iran’s Attacks on the Region, Urge De-Escalation

This handout picture released by Qatar's Amiri Diwan on March 17, 2026, shows Qatar's Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (R) meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah II, at the Diwan in Doha. (Qatar Amiri Diwan / AFP)
This handout picture released by Qatar's Amiri Diwan on March 17, 2026, shows Qatar's Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (R) meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah II, at the Diwan in Doha. (Qatar Amiri Diwan / AFP)
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Qatar, Jordan Condemn Iran’s Attacks on the Region, Urge De-Escalation

This handout picture released by Qatar's Amiri Diwan on March 17, 2026, shows Qatar's Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (R) meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah II, at the Diwan in Doha. (Qatar Amiri Diwan / AFP)
This handout picture released by Qatar's Amiri Diwan on March 17, 2026, shows Qatar's Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (R) meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah II, at the Diwan in Doha. (Qatar Amiri Diwan / AFP)

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and Jordan's King Abdullah II condemned on Tuesday Iran’s attacks in the region, urging an immediate cessation of all military actions.

Sheikh Tamim welcomed the monarch in Doha for talks on regional developments and Iran’s blatant attacks against Qatar, Jordan and other countries in the region, reported Qatar’s state news agency QNA.

Sheikh Tamim stressed Qatar’s solidarity with Jordan, saying it supports all measures it takes to defend its sovereignty and security and to ensure the safety of its citizens. For his part, King Abdullah reiterated his country's solidarity and full support for all measures taken by Qatar to preserve its sovereignty, security, and stability.

They underscored the importance of intensifying regional and international efforts to de-escalate and contain the ongoing tensions, and to work through diplomatic channels and dialogue to address crises in a way that helps prevent further deterioration in the region and boosts prospects for security and stability.

They discussed a host of regional and international issues of mutual concern, stressing the importance of continuing coordination and consultation between their two countries, especially in light of current developments and their implications for the region's security and stability.