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Kuwait’s Constitutional Court Rejects Petition on 'Offender Law”

Kuwait’s Constitutional Court rejected on Sunday appeals for the unconstitutionality of the “offender law.” (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Kuwait’s Constitutional Court rejected on Sunday appeals for the unconstitutionality of the “offender law.” (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Kuwait’s Constitutional Court Rejects Petition on 'Offender Law”

Kuwait’s Constitutional Court rejected on Sunday appeals for the unconstitutionality of the “offender law.” (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Kuwait’s Constitutional Court rejected on Sunday appeals for the unconstitutionality of the “offender law.” (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Kuwait's Constitutional Court rejected on Sunday the appeals for the unconstitutionality of the “offender law.” This came less than a week before the elections of the members of the Kuwaiti National Assembly.

The elections of the Kuwaiti parliament are set to begin on Thursday, Sept. 29.

The Constitutional Court issued a verdict on Sunday, rejecting the constitutional case referred by the Court of Appeal regarding the elections of members of the National Assembly, which pertains to the “offender law.”

The court has dismissed the petition on the constitutionality of Clause Two, Article Two of National Assembly Election Law No. 27/2016 that prohibits citizens convicted of offending God or Prophets and the Emiri entity from contesting the parliamentary elections.

The court affirmed the constitutionality of the clause, asserting that those convicted of such offenses could not represent the nation.

On Thursday, the voting process will begin to select members of the National Assembly. The Kuwaiti Interior Ministry’s Elections Affairs Department announced that 118 polling stations would be distributed across the country, with 313 candidates, including 22 females, competing in the elections.

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Qatar Considers Shura Council Appointments Instead of Elections

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. (QNA)
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. (QNA)
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Qatar Considers Shura Council Appointments Instead of Elections

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. (QNA)
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. (QNA)

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has directed the referral of proposed constitutional amendments, including the return to appointing members of the Shura Council, to the Council for consideration.

Speaking at the opening of the Shura Council's fourth ordinary session on Tuesday, Sheikh Tamim said: “Based on my responsibility and duty towards my country and my people for the good of the present and the future, I considered that these amendments fulfill the supreme interest of the state and promote the values of justice and equality in rights and duties among members of Qatari society.”

“I have directed that the draft constitutional and legislative amendments, including a return to the system for appointing members of the Shura Council, are to be referred to your esteemed Council for necessary action in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution,” he added.

“The Council of Ministers will take necessary measures on proposed amendments to laws and other legislative instruments in accordance with the law,” he said, reminding that the Shura Council is not a representative parliament in a democratic system, and its status and powers will not be affected whether its members are chosen by election or appointment.

The proposed amendments will be put to a public vote and will shift from an electoral system back to appointments.

Sheikh Tamim added that “there are many ways to consult with the Qatari people” and acknowledged that competition among Shura Council candidates occurs within families and tribes, affecting local traditions and social cohesion.

On October 1, 2021, Qatar conducted its first legislative elections since the Shura Council was established in 1972.

The Shura Council is the country’s legislative body. It discusses matters referred by the cabinet, including proposed laws and state policies, reviews the national budget, and asks ministers questions for clarification.

The Council can also make recommendations to the government on public policies. However, it does not have authority over defense, security, economic, or investment matters.