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The Government and Political System in Kuwait

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Kuwait, although an emirate, adopts a parliamentary constitutional monarchy. The government of Kuwait is quite unique as democratic and monarchial elements blend together so well that few political intrigues ever exist in the country.

The most powerful man in the country is the Emir as he is considered as the head of government. The current Emir has been descended from the al-Sabah dynasty which has been ruling since 1752. The Emir names the prime minister. He can dissolve the parliament, promulgate laws and refer back bills to parliament for revision or reconsideration. The Emir is untouchable as it is written in the constitution and so criticisms and negative comments are not allowed in the media.

Succession of the emirate is a bit complicated because it involves the National Assembly. An Emir usually has an appointed Crown Prince. When the Crown Prince ascends to the throne, he needs to appoint a new Crown Prince which needs the approval of the majority of the National Assembly. If the assembly rejects the Emir’s first choice, the Emir then submits three names of eligible family members. From the list, the heir apparent will be voted upon by the National Assembly.

The Prime Minister of Kuwait is the one that appoints the ministers from the 16 different ministries with consent of the Emir. Usually, appointed prime ministers are also from the ruling family.

The legislative body of Kuwait is also the National Assembly, a unicameral body. The law requires that cabinet members be members of the National Assembly or deputies. There are 65 seats in the assembly but only 50 seats are elected. The 15 seats can be directly appointed by the Prime Minister so that means one cabinet position would be taken assuredly by an elected official. Only seats in the National Assembly are up for elections and elections are held at a maximum of 4 years as the Emir has the power to dissolve parliament and call for a new one.

The last branch of government is the judicial branch. Summary Courts are always present in each administrative district. The country also has a Court of Appeals and a Constitutional Court. Islamic Law is usually applied on personal matters.