June 30, 2006
THE DISCIPLINE OF DEMOCRACY:
Reformist gains in Kuwaiti vote (BBC, 6/30/06)
The opposition reformists - many of whom are Islamists - gained four seats, taking their total number of seats in parliament to 33.Posted by Orrin Judd at June 30, 2006 9:34 AMState media reported a turnout of up to 78% in some voting centres.
By electing reformist candidates, the voters have sent a clear message to the government that they want change in Kuwaiti society, our correspondent says. [...]
Kuwait's parliament is considered to be the strongest of those in the Gulf monarchies, and the National Assembly often expresses differences of opinion with cabinet in a robust fashion.
However the emir has the final word on most government policies and key cabinet posts are held by members of the ruling family.
Many candidates made fighting alleged corruption in the ruling elite a key issue.
By electing reformist candidates, the voters have sent a clear message to the government that they want change in Kuwaiti society....
Darn straight they do. For them, Kuwaiti society, as it stands today, is way too liberal.
One might like to sigh, "Go figure"; but this should have been expected.
Hope their women enjoyed their 1 time voting.
Posted by: Sandy P at June 30, 2006 2:10 PM