Year 20245month10On April 1, the Emir of Kuwait, Mish'al al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabaha ("Emir Mish'al"), announced the partial suspension of the National Assembly and the Constitution of Kuwait.declarationThe first time this was done was in the previous year. This is the last time,2In the general elections held after the dissolution of the National Assembly in May, the opposition party (note 1) won a majority of seats in the House of Representatives, only5Weeks latereventIt was.

According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, Kuwait's democracy index is classified as "authoritarian," but compared to surrounding Gulf countrieshigh leveland "oasis of democracy" in the region.It's been said.The following is a list of the most common problems with the

This partial suspension of the National Assembly and the Constitution could destroy the democratic aspect of Kuwait.pointing outThe suspension of the constitution has been Emir Mish'al said on Kuwaiti state television that the partial suspension of the constitution is "the longest4He stated that "it will last for two years," during which time legislative power will be transferred from the National Assembly to the Emir.transferThe following is a summary of the results of the study.

This article will explain the background to the Emir Mish'al's suspension of the National Assembly and part of the Constitution, and its impact on Kuwait, taking into account Kuwait's history.

Kuwaiti National Assembly Building (Photo:Ignacio Gallego / Flickr [CC BY-NC-SA 2.0])

History as a Nation

Kuwait is located at the far end of the Persian Gulf, B.C.8000It is believed to have been inhabited around the year 2000 B.C.E., and4000The center of the Dilmun culture, which flourished from about the year(not) evenThe island of Failaka, in particular, is said to have been a hub of relay trade between the Mesopotamian and Indus civilizations. In particular, the island of Philaka was a hub of relay trade between the Mesopotamian and Indus civilizations, and prospered as a key trading point. Therefore, from ancient times to the Middle Ages, the island was the center of trade between Babylonia, the Achaemenids, the Seleucids, the Sassanids, and other great powers.governingreceived.

By the 17th century, what is now Kuwait was ruled by the Ottoman Empire.18He said that from around the 19th century, people, mainly Anazans from the central Arabian Peninsula, migrated to the land of Kuwait,1800By the early 1980s, India and East Africa to the central Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, and Syria.tieIt grew into a center of transit trade. And,1756In 1949, the land of Kuwait came under the control of the Sabha family, which was granted semi-autonomy by the Ottoman Empire.acquisitionThe Ottoman Empire's influence in Kuwait was thenceforth weakened. From then on, the Ottoman influence in Kuwaiti lands weakened.18Around the 19th century, the British began to take an interest in and expand into the Middle East as a transit point between Asia and Europe.1899In 1949, fearing direct rule by the Ottoman Empire, Sheikh Mubarak, then head of the Sabaaha family, concluded an agreement with the British, and Kuwait wasmaking a country a protectorateThe United States was to provide Kuwait with naval protection in return for the British providing it with diplomatic protection. This allows the British to provide Kuwait with naval protection in exchange for Kuwait's delegation of diplomatic rights to the BritishrelationshipAnd then it became And,1920The current borders were established by the British in the 1950s.

In 1937, large oil reserves were discovered and the first2As the development of oil fields progressed after World War II, Kuwait became one of the world's leading oil-producing regions. Since this time,1932Iraq, which gained independence from Britain in 1949, has territorial claims over Kuwait (*2) and is beginning to assert itself,1961counter for years (following a number in the hito-futa-mi counting system)6When Kuwait gained independence from the United Kingdom in May, Iraq was also involved in various territorialrequirementThe company said that it had done so. Kuwait asked for British assistance in dealing with the Iraqi threat, and British troops were sent to Kuwait. The Iraqi threat began to weaken.1961counter for years (following a number in the hito-futa-mi counting system)10Around June, British troops began to withdraw and the Arab League began to protect Kuwait.I took over.As a result, the British and Arab League (*3) opposition, Iraq's territorial claims were not realized,1963counter for years (following a number in the hito-futa-mi counting system)10In June, Iraq formally recognized Kuwait's independence and borders. After that, the United Kingdom continued to1971troops in Bahrain near Kuwait until 2006.deployThe company was

Also,1980Since the year1988The Iran-Iraq War, which broke out over the course of 2006, was a major event for Kuwait.threatThe country became the first to Kuwait, fearing domination by Iran, offered financial and other support to Iraq. With the end of this Iran-Iraq war, relations between Iraq and Kuwait reportedly began to deteriorate,1990counter for years (following a number in the hito-futa-mi counting system)8month2On the same day, Iraq invaded Kuwait and the Gulf War broke out. On the Iraqi sideclaimAs a result, Kuwait was stealing Iraqi oil by diagonally drilling oil fields located near the border with Iraq. Also, at the time, the Iraqi President at the time, Saddam Hussein, believed that Kuwait's increased oil production was damaging the Iraqi economy and that the U.S. was complicit in this and was trying to topple the Iraqi regimeopinionThere are also Other.primary factorThe reasons for this include Iraq's desire to tap Kuwait's vast oil reserves and Iraq's desire to cancel a large debt owed to Kuwait during the Iran-Iraq War.

the same month8On the day of the event, Iraq was trying to get Kuwait toannexationThe Emir of Kuwait defected to Saudi Arabia.1991counter for years (following a number in the hito-futa-mi counting system)1Since mid-March, multinationals led by the United States, the United Kingdom, and Saudi Arabia have launched attacks against Iraqi forces,2With Iraq's withdrawal in late June, Kuwait was removed from Iraqi control.liberationThe company was Also,2003During the Iraq War in 1967, Kuwait served as a base for U.S. and British forces and provided logistical support to these forces. Since the end of the war, U.S. troops have been deployed to Kuwait, and there are still U.S. military bases there today.8partexistenceThe company is doing so.

An Iraqi tank goes up in flames after being attacked by British troops (Photo:Uncertain (possibly Tom Johnson Nottingham, UK) / Wikimedia Commons [public domain])

Political History

How, then, can Kuwait ensure that the democratic aspects (*4The question is: How did they develop their own culture of diwaniyah? One of the reasons for this is the culture of diwaniyah, which can be found in Gulf countries such as Kuwait.diwaniarefers to the practice of discussing diverse topics, including politics and social issues, and is held in private homes or designated places, mostly by men. Diwaniyah in Kuwait has existed for hundreds of years and has traditionally been a gathering place for prominent members of society.1920Since the 1950s, it has become a meeting place for the general public, and the debates there serve as a kind of informal political institution, monitoring the National Assembly and informing politicians of public opinion.roleIt is also said to be responsible for

Independent.1961counter for years (following a number in the hito-futa-mi counting system)8In June, a committee was established to establish a National Assembly, and in the same year9In May, Kuwait's first law on parliamentary elections wasenactmentThe law was passed. The law states.10Each from the constituency of2candidates to be elected to the National Assembly, and that the suffrage30It was also stipulated that the applicant must be at least 18 years old and must be fluent in reading and writing Arabic. In the same year12In June, elections were held and a Constitution Drafting Committee was created. The following year, the first National Assembly elections were held with the enactment of the new Constitution,1963The first National Assembly was established in 1949. The Constitution also states that the government is democratic and sovereignty resides with the people.specificationKuwait is a constitutional monarchy with a hereditary head of state. Kuwait is a constitutional monarchy with a hereditary emir as head of state, but with a democratic aspect in that it can form a national assembly that reflects the will of the people through direct elections.hold (in one's hand)The two countries are not the same. On the other hand, Kuwait has historically been governed not by its people but by the royal family, which has been dependent on oil resources and the backing of the United Kingdom, and has not functioned well as a state. Therefore, in order to demonstrate its legitimacy and independence as a nation and to be recognized as a state externally, the government had introduced a system of political participation by the people.claimThe "M" in "M" is also made.

Partial suspension of the National Assembly and the Constitution by the Emir like this one has been done in the past. Example,1976The case in 2006 for lack of cooperation between the legislative and executive branches of government and unjustified attacks on ministers by legislators,1986In 2006, amid the Lebanese conflict, the Iran-Iraq war, and rising tensions between Sunnis and Shiites in Kuwait, thecase (e.g. receptacle, condition, event, legal action, letter style, etc.)are. Both cases are constitutional.violation (of law)The suspension of the National Assembly was reportedly lifted in response to public outcry and the activities in Diwaniya by former members of the National Assembly.

Waving to the crowd, the 15th Emir, Sabaah al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabaah (photo:Kuwaitelections2012 / Flickr [CC BY-NC-ND 2.0])

However, even without unconstitutional intervention by the Emir, the National Assembly is frequently dissolved. The dissolution of thea number ofIn,2024counter for years (following a number in the hito-futa-mi counting system)3As of June,2006in the year 2000 and later12times, of which2022counter for years (following a number in the hito-futa-mi counting system)6From May onward.3times, indicating the instability of the National Assembly. Also,2010Around 1949, the so-called "democratic movement" that exerted a democratic influence on the Arab countries, theArab Spring (revolutionary wave in the Arab world, 2010-2011)Influenced by "The,2012counter for years (following a number in the hito-futa-mi counting system)10In June, the same year12Oppose amendments to the Electoral Code for the upcoming National Assembly elections in May (*)5), and tens of thousands of citizens participated in the demonstration.caseThere are also Thus, there have been times when significant dissatisfaction with the electoral system has surfaced in the public.

current political regime

The current political system in Kuwait should also be mentioned. The head of state is the Emir, who, without the approval of the National Assembly or holding elections, has a total of up to15The appointment of a two-member Prime Minister and Cabinet of Ministers and the National Assembly.dissolutionThe head of the family has the right to The sheikh is hereditary, and there are various rules governing the process of succession to the throne.existenceThe government has been working on this issue for many years. For example, only Mubarak's descendants have the right to succeed to the throne, and the crown prince has been the emir since his inauguration.1The appointment must be made within a year, and the appointment must be preceded by a declaration by the Emir and a majority vote in the National Assembly. Other customs include the rotation of power between the families of Mubarak's sons, Jabir and Salim, and the election of the crown prince from the older generation.existenceThe company is doing so.

The National Assembly is4Council members elected at the annual elections.50people and ministers appointed by the sheikh.15man's plan65A unicameral system consisting of three members that dismisses the prime minister and ministers through constitutional procedures.authorityand all ministers are responsible to the National Assembly. The cabinet consists of the prime minister and ministers, but the prime minister is essentially a member of the Sabah family, and ministers are usually selected from Kuwait's leading political and professional figures and sometimes royalty. And all of the cabinet ministers3-th (e.g. one fifth)1school (e.g. of ikebana)member of the National AssemblyIt must be. In addition, the nomination of a new Emir or Crown Prince by the ruling Sabaha family requires the approval of the National Assembly. Legislative power is held by the National Assembly and the Emir. The National Assembly has the power to propose and approve bills, while the Emir has the power to approve or reject bills proposed by the National Assembly. Although the Constitution does not legalize the formation of political parties, political parties areexistenceThe members of the government are critical of the government, and they function as a de facto opposition force.

View of the polling station for the National Assembly elections (Photo:Kuwaitelections2012 / Flickr [CC BY-NC-ND 2.0])

Also,2005Women were allowed to vote and run for election in 2006,2009In the National Assembly elections of 1964, the first female member of the National AssemblybirthOn the one hand, the company was able to make a profit. On the other hand,2024counter for years (following a number in the hito-futa-mi counting system)4month4In the National Assembly elections held onbeing electedThe woman who did the1Only one person is left.

Background leading to the partial suspension of the National Assembly and the Constitution

Members of the National Assembly have greater rights than their counterparts in other Arab countries, such as the right to question and challenge ministers.authorityThe government has a Although the government requires the approval of the National Assembly in the process of enforcing the law,2000Since the late 1990s, the National Assembly's factions have been increasingly divided, with lawmakers rejecting bills supported by the government and becoming increasingly critical of ministers, making it difficult to garner approvals,stalemateThe company has fallen into the following situation.

For one example,2017Since 2006, the National Assembly has been unable to pass legislation to facilitate debt issuance.continuationKuwait's oil exports are the main source of income for the country, but the country is unable to cover its expenditures with this income alone. Kuwait earns income mainly from oil exports, but this income is not enough to cover its expenditures, and the use of state funds such as government bonds is being discussed, but the decision-making process is at a standstill. Thus, Kuwait has a chronic problem of administrative chaos exacerbated by tensions between the government and the National Assembly.existenceThe company is doing so.

Election posters (Photo:Samira Akil Zaman / Flickr [CC BY-NC 2.0])

This ongoing impasse is believed to have led to the partial suspension of the National Assembly and the Constitution. The chief executive's decision to suspend the National Assembly was based on his judgment that the National Assembly was hindering economic development through activities that exceeded its authority.pointing outThe sheikh himself said in a state television broadcast that "democracy cannot be allowed to be used to destroy the nation.emphasisHe also heavily criticized the legislators. At the same time, the sheikh was also against the spread of corruption in the political world.concernHe said that he harbors a In fact, they say that vote buying in elections is a common practiceresults (of a study)and ... andCorruption Perception Index (CPI)well2016Since 2006, the numbers have increased slightly, and data exist showing that corruption is more frequent.

One of the other reasons for the disharmony between the government and the National Assembly,2020counter for years (following a number in the hito-futa-mi counting system)12The opposition parties, which have been increasing their seats since the National Assembly elections in May, have been able to maintain the traditional balance between the government and the National Assembly.collapseSome have pointed out that the reason for this is because they were made to do so.

Impact of the Partial Suspension of the Constitution and Views on it

As mentioned at the beginning of the article, one of the articles of the Constitution that has been suspended is that after the dissolution of the National Assembly2It included a clause describing the obligation to hold re-elections within a month. This means that legislative power will be transferred entirely to the sheikh until the suspension expires. Also, Sheikh Ahmed al-Ahmed al-Sabah, nephew of the Emir of Mish'al,2024counter for years (following a number in the hito-futa-mi counting system)4Since he has been serving as prime minister since May, the Sabaha family has both legislative and executive power, which effectively means that the people's participation in the political process iseliminationThe company is doing so.

Led by this point of view, the way in which this series of partial suspensions of the National Assembly and the Constitution were reported in the country varied. For example, some domestic journalists were negative about the sheikh's decision, arguing that the period of partial suspension of the National Assembly and the constitution should be limited, but also emphasizing the importance of maintaining Kuwait's democratic aspect, as well as theemphasisSome of them have been doing so. Others say that there has been little strong opposition by the Kuwaiti public to this series of disturbances.claimalso be seen. This is because the people were simultaneously dissatisfied not only with the Emir but also with the National Assembly.

Outside the country, the royal family has received tremendous support from Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries where the royal family is trying to maintain an authoritarian and dictatorial regime, and some media outlets close to these countries have called it a legitimate response to the violation of democracy in Kuwait.I'm evaluating.The United States, which has strong ties with Kuwait in the wake of the Iraq War, has not even issued a statement on the series of events. In addition, the United States, which has strong ties with Kuwait through the deployment of bases in the wake of the Iraq War, has not even issued a statement in response to this series of events.status quoIt is. While Kuwait's neighbors, many of whom are dictatorships, are predictably favorable to the retreat of democracy in Kuwait, they are skeptical that the U.S. administration of Joe Biden has not even disclosed its concerns about the retreat of democracy in Kuwait.opinionalso out.

Kuwait at night (Photo:hamad M / Flickr [CC BY-NC 2.0])

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Some observers said that the partial suspension of the National Assembly and the constitution could disrupt the democratic aspect of Kuwait and create a more autocratic regime than before, while others described it as a legitimate response to preserve the democratic aspect of Kuwait. On the other hand, most experts said it was too early to tell.Stated.He said. For example, Bader Al Saif, a professor of history at Kuwait University, said1976years and ...1986There is a precedent that the National Assembly was eventually restored when it was suspended in 1949, and that suspending the National Assembly temporarily does not eliminate the traditional political system of interrelationship between the chiefs and the National Assembly.claimThe Kuwaiti government is also a major player in the international community. We will continue to follow the course of Kuwaiti politics.

1 Political parties are non-existent in Kuwait due to the prohibition of political party association. The term "opposition party" in the text refers to50The two National Assembly members are those who jointly reject government bills, etc.

2 Although Iraq never actually controlled Kuwaiti land, historically Kuwait was politically connected to southern Iraq, but was divided when the British unilaterally drew the border.thinkingKuwait's territorial rights under theclaimThe first time, the company was in a position to do so.

3 What is the Arab League?1945counter for years (following a number in the hito-futa-mi counting system)3month22The organization was formed in Cairo on April 1, 2012, and is composed of Arab countries in the Middle East and Africa.Regional Cooperation Organizationand aims to establish independence and sovereignty of the Arab countries and peace in the Middle East region through cooperation in political and economic fields.

4 Depending on the article and literature, the democratic aspect in Kuwait is a quasi-democracy or partial democracy andrepresentationThe company has been

note (supplementary information) symbol5　Reasons for opposing the amendment to the Election Law include the fact that the people1The number of votes per capita4From the votes1for votescurtailmentThe opposition parties are said to have found it more difficult to form coalitions to secure more seats in the legislature.

Writer:Hayato Ishimoto

Graphic:Ayane Ishida

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