Political Rights in Kuwait

Political rights refer to the capacity of an individual to participate in the societal and state’s civil and political life without fear of repression or discrimination. Such rights entail the rights of voting in an election and the privilege to engage freely in political rallies or events, join a party, or run for office. Notably, besides meddling in the electoral process, Kuwait authorities continue to discourage aspects that would enhance fundamental rights such as gender quotas and the formation of political parties

Underrepresentation of Women in Politics Due to Lack of Gender Quotas 

Women in Kuwait fall among individuals whose political rights are repressed. Notably, most people in Kuwait lack faith in women’s political leadership (Holleis). Unlike European nations, Kuwait lacks gender quotas that can enhance gender equity. Quotas for women posit that they should comprise a particular percentage of the members of a body; parliamentary or government. For example, Michael Herb, a Middle East analyst, reports that he does not believe that Kuwait would introduce a quota. It is improbable for such a development, especially where the Majlis al-Umma lacks pressure from voters to implement a proportion (Holleis). Therefore, advocating for gender quotas in the parliament can ensure equal political participation across gender.

Meddling in Electoral Procedures and Harassing Political Figures

The people’s political choices are prone to domination by powerful societal factions, especially the rulers. Notably, the hereditary leaders meddle in the civil procedures by harassing political and media figures and impeding the actions of opposition parliamentary blocs (Kuwait Freedom House 2). For instance, Bader al-Dahoum, a vocal opposition member of the parliament, was disqualified from his parliamentary seat on a constitutional article that bars any person convicted of insulting the nation’s ruler. The decision depicted part of the executive’s effort to silence opposition in majlis al umma. Moreover, even though politicians have some opportunity to criticize the government, those who challenge executive power or seek to augment the role of elected representatives end up facing criminal charges (Kuwait Freedom House 2). For instance, the Cassation Court ordered the incarceration of opposition figures in 2018, including two incumbent and several former legislatures, on long-contested charges connected with the 2011 protests. Thus, such actions illustrate the suppression of political rights within a democratic nation.

Prohibition of Political Parties

Political rights in Kuwait are limited through the prohibition of political parties. Kuwait is among the six monarchies of the Arabian Peninsula that instigate hostility towards forming political organizations to empower citizens’ political bargains (Ottaway). Even if the nation seeks to enable a semblance of political participation to modernize its political systems, the country continues banning political parties, limiting political rights. The absence of political parties enables major tribes, particularly the ruling family, to hold their unofficial and automatically unlawful primary elections to rally their members behind particular parliamentary aspirants, who then technically utilize their public office to generate economic benefits for tribal members (Kuwait Freedom House 1). Therefore, the prohibition on parties limits political organizations and resource sharing among like-minded politicians.

Possible Solution

The flaws attributed to increased executive encroachment in the political arena necessitate political activism to enhance political freedom bargain. Kuwait has already become a victim of political activism experienced across the Arab world. Thus, by 2011, several independent youth organizations backed by opposition members combined their efforts on a platform that centered on curbing executive power. Therefore, using the same political activism approach compels the current regime to reduce its dominance that interferes with political rights in Kuwait.

Conclusion

The political rights in Kuwait are significantly limited through the actions of rulers who reserve absolute power. Kuwait’s parliament cannot keep the executive branch in check due to limited opposition. Hence, political activism may aid the opposition to restore its capability of keeping the executive branch in check and advocating for the introduction of gender quotas to increase women’s participation in politics. Therefore, politicians should confine policies in the parliament and support youth groups and other activist groups in championing rights.

             Works Cited

Holleis, Jennifer. “Kuwait’s New All-Male Parliament is a Blow for Women’s Rights.” 12 Oct 2020. Deutsche Welle.. http://www.dw.com/en/kuwaits-new-all-male-parliament-is-a-blow-for-womens-rights/a-55897172>. Accessed 12 Jan 2022.

Kuwait Freedom House. “Political Rights .” 22 Apr 2019. Kuwait Freedom House. www.justice.gov/eoir/page/file/1264571/download>. Accessed 12 Jan 2022.

Ottaway, Marina. “The Conundrum of Political Parties in the Gulf Countries: Unwanted but Inevitable.” 25 Jun 2021. Wilson Center. /www.wilsoncenter.org/article/conundrum-political-parties-gulf-countries-unwanted-inevitable>. Accessed 12 Jan 2022.