Kuwait: Seven female hopefuls register for elections

Seven female hopefuls have registered with the General Directorate of the Electoral Affairs of the Kuwaiti Interior Ministry to contest the 12th National Assembly (parliament) elections, pushing to 28 the total number of female candidates, on Wednesday, the tenth and final day of registration.

"We seek to serve the broad spectrum of the Kuwaiti citizens," Aliya Al-Enezi, candidate of the fourth constituency, told KUNA."

My electoral platform highlights the woman issues and seeks to amend the laws that infringe on the rights of women," she asserted.

"Although women in Kuwait gained their political rights, they still suffer some social injustice," Al-Enezi noted.

She pledged to relieve the suffering of Kuwaiti women married to non-Kuwaiti men as well as the suffering of "Bedoon" (stateless) women and their children.

Al-Enezi voiced hope that more women would win parliamentary seats especially as women were more aware of their political and social rights.

Meanwhile, Amina Al-Qallaf, the candidate of the first constituency, said she attributed great importance to the economic, social, educational and healthcare problems faced by Kuwaiti families.

"My platform focuses on the issues of widows and divorcees as well as people with special needs," she said, asserted that she would do her utmost to translate her electoral promises into action.

For her part, Nabila Al-Omeiri, of the third constituency said she would raise the issues of rising prices and assert quality among all sons of Kuwait if she won a seat in parliament.

She voiced hope that all Kuwaitis would strengthen their ranks and work together to serve the interests of the homeland.

Samira Al-Shatti, of the fifth constituency, promised to serve the interests of the entire Kuwaiti nation particularly the middle class and women.

"I will push for legislations in favor of women and ordinary citizens," she underscored.Najlaa Al-Naqi, of the first constituency, reasserted the efficiency, experience and political maturity of Kuwaiti women who were qualified to contest the parliamentary elections.

She called for harmonizing the laws and cabinet decrees with Article 29 of the Constitution of Kuwait in order to strengthen the emerging democracy.

Tahani Karam, of the second constituency, promised to help women assert themselves in the society, and push for reforms in the educational system.Thikra Al-Majdali, a lawyer and candidate of the fourth constituency, said her platform prioritized the social issues and the issue of child affairs in order to ensure bringing up a generation more qualified to face the challenges of the future.

Kuwait News Agency - 24 April, 2008