In a region where autocracy is the rule, Kuwait is a remarkable exception, with a powerful and truculent elected parliament that determines the ruling emir’s salary and is the state’s sole source of legislation. With women gaining the right to vote and run for office only two years ago, the country continued down the path toward change and democracy by electing four women to the parliament for the first time in the country’s history. An election that saw Islamic fundamentalist groups lose ground presented an opportunity for two US-educated professors, a former cabinet minister, and an economist to win seats in the Kuwaiti parliament, breaking a glass ceiling that is hoped will be heard in other Gulf countries. Despite being overshadowed by its dynamic monarchial neighbors such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Qatar, Kuwait has continued its efforts towards democratic and economic reform, with attempts to overhaul its welfare system, privatize the national airline and parts of the oil sector, and attack instances of corruption—two years ago, popular pressure forced a change in the electoral districting law making it harder to buy votes.
Indeed, one could even argue Kuwait is the most democratic country in the Arab world, comparable to only Lebanon, which is limited by a sectarian system of power-sharing. Of course, Arab republics exist (Egypt, Syria, Algeria, Tunisia, Yemen), however, these regimes, democratic form notwithstanding, have generally been more autocratic and repressive than the region’s monarchies.
As the new parliament sets its sights at overcoming the political deadlock and refocuses on creating a more conducive business environment through economic reform and investment, Kuwaitis can be proud of the victory for women and democracy in this past election. Kuwait has democratic political traditions to draw upon—the ruling Sabah family came to power not through conquest, but with an agreement among the coastal traders of the region and after Kuwait gained independence from the British, the emir approved a written Constitution that sharply limited his power in relation to parliament. Now the country must remain steadfast and not be discouraged by natural frustrations that occur in reform endeavors, especially of a state-controlled economy.
Published Date: May 22, 2009