Kuwait’s Emir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, announced the dissolution of the National Assembly on Friday. He suspended parts of the constitution for up to four years to review the democratic process.
During this period, the Emir and the Council of Ministers will take over parliamentary duties.
In a televised speech, the Emir said the government formation has stalled since the appointment of Prime Minister-designate Sheikh Mohammed Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah on April 15.
This is due to demands and conditions imposed by some lawmakers, encroaching on the Emir’s constitutional rights.
“The State of Kuwait has undergone challenging times that left repercussions on all aspects of life and created negative reality,” said the Emir in an address to the nation on Friday evening.
“We, as entrusted with looking after this state and its people, had to offer counseling and guidance once and again in order to get out of these conditions with least possible losses,” added the Kuwaiti ruler.
“Unfortunately, we have faced some unimaginable, unbearable difficulties and impediments. Some people attempted resolutely to shut down every way out of the bitter reality,” he said.
“We were left with no option other than taking this hard decision to rescue the country and protect its higher national interests and resources of the nation,” the Emir explained.
The Emir also underscored that a democratic rule requires a great deal of organization of state authorities and distribution of roles according to a clear vision for realizing the national objectives.
Right after the Emir finished his address, Kuwait’s official news agency (KUNA) declared that he suspended articles 51, 56 (paragraphs two and three), 71 (paragraph two), 79, 107, 174 and 181 of the Constitution for a period not exceeding four years, during which the democratic practice in the country will be reviewed.
