Kuwait's Emir Dissolves Parliament, Suspends Constitution for Four Years

In an unprecedented move, Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has dissolved the country's National Assembly and suspended certain constitutional provisions for up to four years. The Emir cited the violation of constitutional norms and attempts to interfere with his powers as the primary reasons behind thispolitical, parliamentdecision.

Why this matters: This move has significant implications for Kuwait's democratic system and could pave the way for a more authoritarian government, potentially influencing the political landscape of the Middle East. The suspension of the Parliament also raises concerns about the protection of human rights and the rule of law in the country.

In a speech carried by state television, Sheikh Mishal emphasized the need to address the "unhealthy atmosphere" in Kuwait that has led to the spread of corruption in state facilities, including security and economic institutions. "We have faced difficulties and obstacles that cannot be tolerated," said the 83-year-old ruler.

The dissolution comes just weeks after Kuwait held elections in April, the first under Sheikh Mishal's rule, which began in December 2021 after the death of his half-brother and predecessor, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah. During the period of parliament, suspension, the Emir and the royal-appointed cabinet will assume some powers of the 50-member National Assembly.

Kuwait, a small oil-rich nation with a population of 4.2 million, has been experiencing domestic political turmoil in recent years. Repeated disputes between the National Assembly and the cabinet have triggered dissolutions of parliament in the past, hindering investment and reforms aimed at reducing the country's reliance on oil revenue.

"Kuwait has been through some hard times lately ... which leaves no room for hesitation or delay in making the difficult decision to save the country and secure its highest interests," Sheikh Mishal said. The Emir emphasized that he would not allow the misuse of democracy to destroy the state, stating that the interests of the Kuwaiti people are paramount.

This marks only the third time in Kuwaiti history that the Parliament has been suspended, with previous instances occurring in 1976 and 1986. The suspension of the Parliament and constitutional articles has sparked fears that the Emir could move to dismantle Kuwait's semi-democratic political system, making it more authoritarian like other Gulf monarchies.

Political science professor Michael Herb notes that this is a "serious setback for democracy in the Middle East" and that the suspension of the Parliament threatens to undermine Kuwait's democratic process. However, Herb also suggests that there is still hope for a different path, as Parliament was eventually restored after both past suspensions.

The Emir's decision to suspend the National Assembly for up to four years and assume its powers alongside the cabinet underscores the country's shift into unprecedented territory, with significant implications for its political landscape and democratic system. As Kuwait navigates this period of uncertainty, the world will be watching closely to see how this oil-rich nation balances its political future with the interests of its people.