The enduring significance of  Kuwait parliament and elections.

The founding of parliament and the way it functions are of vital importance both to Kuwait's history and its  present.

The Kuwaiti parliament first met in 1963 after the country hae gained its independence from Britain, under the reign of late Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

During the first session of the National Assembly, Sheikh Abdullah recited a poem three times: “Things are guided to the people of opinion if they are good. If a regime dominates, the wicked will lead. People don’t fix chaos when they lack moderation, and there is no moderation if ignorance prevails.”

That more than anything else signifies the revalnce of parliament as an institution of importance in Kuwait.

Another example is late Jassem Al-Kharafi being elected unanimously to the post of speaker. 

The longest serving speaker of the Kuwait National Assembly, late Jassem Al-Kharafi, (who served from 1999 to 2011), held  the office longer than anyone, and is the only speaker to be unanimously elected by all members of the parliament.

Women’s suffrage: Another landmark.

In 2006, women’s suffrage was obtained, which saw five women being elected to the parliament. Women have been keen at exercising thier democratic rights.

Role of National Assembly in the succession process.

The Washington Institute of Near East Policy said the role of the National Assembly became more important in 2006 when the parliament unanimously elected late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad A-Jaber Al-Sabah.

It stated at that time, a position of immense wisdom that has relevance for parliaments around the world.

“If one is to appreciate the intensity and complexity of the factional struggle that took place in Kuwait after 2006 and particularly during the period from 2011 to 2014, it is necessary to comprehend the role of the National Assembly in the succession process. Article 4 of Kuwait’s 1962 constitution regulates matters of succession and stipulates that the incoming Amir’s choice of crown prince needs to be approved by an absolute majority in the National Assembly.”