Parliament dissolved, constitutional articles suspended for democratic review

Kuwait’s Emir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, announced the dissolution of the National Assembly on Friday. He suspended parts of the constitution for up to four years to review the democratic process.

During this time, the Emir and the Council of Ministers take over parliamentary tasks.

In a televised address, the emir said government formation had stalled since the appointment of Prime Minister-designate Sheikh Mohammed Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah on April 15.

The reason for this are demands and requirements of some legislators that interfere with the Emir’s constitutional rights.

“The State of Kuwait has gone through challenging times that have impacted all aspects of life and created a negative reality,” the emir said in an address to the nation on Friday evening.

“As we are entrusted with taking care of this state and its people, we have had to continually offer advice and guidance in order to get out of these conditions with as little loss as possible,” the Kuwaiti leader added.

“Unfortunately, we have faced some unimaginable, unbearable difficulties and obstacles. “Some people have resolutely tried to close any escape from the bitter reality,” he said.

“We had no choice but to take this difficult decision to save the country and protect its higher national interests and resources of the nation,” the emir said.

The Emir also stressed that democratic rule requires a high level of organization of state authorities and distribution of roles according to a clear vision to achieve national goals.

Immediately after the Emir finished his speech, the official Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) stated that he had violated Articles 51, 56 (paragraphs two and three), 71 (paragraph two), 79, 107, 174 and 181 of the Constitution for one Period suspended more than four years during which democratic practices in the country will be reviewed.