SABA- 13 May 2009
Supreme Commission for Elections and Referendum (SCER) and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) discussed here on Wednesday aspects of the bilateral cooperation in the fields of democracy and election. SCER members Mohammed al-Sayani and Abdu al-Jandi held talks with the director of IFES office in Yemen Peter Williams on the possibility of supporting the SCER plans and programs during the next phase in fields of institutional building, training, rehabilitation and electoral awareness as well as promoting women's participation in the elections.
Showing posts with label electoral system. Show all posts
Showing posts with label electoral system. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Yemen: Program of supporting women's access to parliament launched
SANA'A, May 10 (Saba) - The Cultural Development Foundation in cooperation with the Partnership Program of the European Union inaugurated here on Sunday the program of supporting women's access to parliament.
Chairwoman of the foundation Raufah Hassan reviewed the situation of the women political participation and activities of the foundation in order to promote this participation.
She also pointed out to the objective of establishing "supporters networks" which was set up to create awareness over the importance of women participation in political life as well as to increase the number of women candidates for elections.
For his part, the European Commission charge de affairs Michele Cervole d'UrSo noted to the important role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in finding solutions to support the representation of the women in Parliament.
The executive director of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) Peter Williams reviewed the experiences of a number of European and third world countries in this area, affirming the need to seek a support for the Yemeni women regardless of the electoral support.
He considered the Quota system is the best in Yemen.
FJ/AH
Saba
Chairwoman of the foundation Raufah Hassan reviewed the situation of the women political participation and activities of the foundation in order to promote this participation.
She also pointed out to the objective of establishing "supporters networks" which was set up to create awareness over the importance of women participation in political life as well as to increase the number of women candidates for elections.
For his part, the European Commission charge de affairs Michele Cervole d'UrSo noted to the important role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in finding solutions to support the representation of the women in Parliament.
The executive director of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) Peter Williams reviewed the experiences of a number of European and third world countries in this area, affirming the need to seek a support for the Yemeni women regardless of the electoral support.
He considered the Quota system is the best in Yemen.
FJ/AH
Saba
Monday, May 4, 2009
Kuwait: Kuwait's Salafis call voting for women a sin
Al Arabiya
KUWAIT (Ahmed Abdullah)
Kuwait's Islamist Salafi movement called Monday for a boycott of women candidates in the upcoming parliamentary elections on the grounds that public offices are reserved only for men, sparking outrage from female candidates and activists.
Voting for women is considered a sin, said Fuhaid al-Hailam, of the Islamic Salafi Alliance politburo, according to the Salafi's interpretation of a saying by the Prophet Muhammad to the effect that a nation will not prosper if a woman leads it.
Election sin
" What is prohibited as an aim is also prohibited as a means "
Fuhaid al-Hailam, Islamic Salafi Alliance politburo"What is prohibited as an aim is also prohibited as a means," he told Al Arabiya. "Voting for women is the means of their access to parliamentary membership, thus it is prohibited."
Although Kuwaiti law permits women to hold seat in parliament, Hailam called on female candidates to withdraw from the elections to protect themselves and the voters from a practice he labeled as contrary to Islam.
Nineteen of the 282 registered candidates are women, down from the 28 who registered last year and 31 in 2006, according to the Kuwait Times. The Majlis al-Umma, Kuwait’s National Assembly, was dissolved in March in the aftermath of tension between the executive and legislative authorities.
He denied the fatwa, or religious ruling, is politically motivated to undermine women's chances to win seats in the parliament.
"This has always been the movement's stance and we have always objected to giving women the right to run in elections. We are reiterating our opinion now because it is the right time to declare how legitimate voting is,” he said, adding that the movement recommended that the law not be applied.
Strident objections
" Kuwaiti laws that gave women the right to run for parliament are not against Islamic laws "
Fatima al-Abdeli, candidateCritics slammed the conservative Salafi movement’s statements and urged the government to distance itself from such a position.
Parliamentary candidate Fatima al-Abdeli, a woman’s rights activist who ran in the two previous elections, dismissed the call to withdraw and said the statements betrayed a state of intellectual bankruptcy.
"They have nothing to say," she told Al Arabiya. "Kuwaiti laws that gave women the right to run for parliament are not against Islamic laws."
Woman’s rights activist Fatima al-Abdeli ran in the two previous elections
Abdeli called upon the Kuwaiti government to declare the movement's statements void and said that female candidates intend to organize a press conference to respond to the fatwa.
"This fatwa will harm women candidates and the Kuwaiti people might be deceived by it. We are not going to stand still while this happens. Women should not be told what to do," said Abdeli.
Observers give women better odds of winning seats in this year’s elections despite failing to win any in the 2006 or 2008 elections, citing more extensive political experience women gained during this time and greater acceptance of women's role in public life.
Former Planning Minister Massouma al-Mubarak, the first female cabinet member, was appointed in 2005 and is running in the 2009 elections, a move that observers said shows that women are gaining momentum. Women were granted the right to vote in 2005.
The election war flared when several candidates were arrested and charged with slandering the government. Some parties like the Ummah party, which is not officially recognized, said it would boycott the elections.
KUWAIT (Ahmed Abdullah)
Kuwait's Islamist Salafi movement called Monday for a boycott of women candidates in the upcoming parliamentary elections on the grounds that public offices are reserved only for men, sparking outrage from female candidates and activists.
Voting for women is considered a sin, said Fuhaid al-Hailam, of the Islamic Salafi Alliance politburo, according to the Salafi's interpretation of a saying by the Prophet Muhammad to the effect that a nation will not prosper if a woman leads it.
Election sin
" What is prohibited as an aim is also prohibited as a means "
Fuhaid al-Hailam, Islamic Salafi Alliance politburo"What is prohibited as an aim is also prohibited as a means," he told Al Arabiya. "Voting for women is the means of their access to parliamentary membership, thus it is prohibited."
Although Kuwaiti law permits women to hold seat in parliament, Hailam called on female candidates to withdraw from the elections to protect themselves and the voters from a practice he labeled as contrary to Islam.
Nineteen of the 282 registered candidates are women, down from the 28 who registered last year and 31 in 2006, according to the Kuwait Times. The Majlis al-Umma, Kuwait’s National Assembly, was dissolved in March in the aftermath of tension between the executive and legislative authorities.
He denied the fatwa, or religious ruling, is politically motivated to undermine women's chances to win seats in the parliament.
"This has always been the movement's stance and we have always objected to giving women the right to run in elections. We are reiterating our opinion now because it is the right time to declare how legitimate voting is,” he said, adding that the movement recommended that the law not be applied.
Strident objections
" Kuwaiti laws that gave women the right to run for parliament are not against Islamic laws "
Fatima al-Abdeli, candidateCritics slammed the conservative Salafi movement’s statements and urged the government to distance itself from such a position.
Parliamentary candidate Fatima al-Abdeli, a woman’s rights activist who ran in the two previous elections, dismissed the call to withdraw and said the statements betrayed a state of intellectual bankruptcy.
"They have nothing to say," she told Al Arabiya. "Kuwaiti laws that gave women the right to run for parliament are not against Islamic laws."
Woman’s rights activist Fatima al-Abdeli ran in the two previous elections
Abdeli called upon the Kuwaiti government to declare the movement's statements void and said that female candidates intend to organize a press conference to respond to the fatwa.
"This fatwa will harm women candidates and the Kuwaiti people might be deceived by it. We are not going to stand still while this happens. Women should not be told what to do," said Abdeli.
Observers give women better odds of winning seats in this year’s elections despite failing to win any in the 2006 or 2008 elections, citing more extensive political experience women gained during this time and greater acceptance of women's role in public life.
Former Planning Minister Massouma al-Mubarak, the first female cabinet member, was appointed in 2005 and is running in the 2009 elections, a move that observers said shows that women are gaining momentum. Women were granted the right to vote in 2005.
The election war flared when several candidates were arrested and charged with slandering the government. Some parties like the Ummah party, which is not officially recognized, said it would boycott the elections.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Kuwait: 73 % citizens may head to polling stations: Study
Kuwait Times
KUWAIT: Seventy three percent citizens will head to the ballot boxes to cast their votes on May 16, the findings of a comprehensive study conducted by Ipson International Company revealed. The study also found that 14 percent of citizens will abstain from voting while the remaining 13 percent are undecided about voting. It pointed out that 80 percent of male voters have decided to cast votes while only 66 percentage of females exercise their rights. The average age of most voters is more than 45 years. Farwaniya constituency will receive the largest number of voters when compared to other Kuwaiti governorates, reported Al-Watan. The study added that 80 percent of voters from Farwaniya will vote on May 16. Seventy five percent of voters in Mubarak Al-Kabeer area, 69 percent in Jahra, 71 percent in Hawally, 74 percent in the capital and 67 percent of voters of Ahmadi have decided to cast votes. Sixteen percent of voters from Ahmadi have decided not to vote and 17 percent are still undecided about voting.
KUWAIT: Seventy three percent citizens will head to the ballot boxes to cast their votes on May 16, the findings of a comprehensive study conducted by Ipson International Company revealed. The study also found that 14 percent of citizens will abstain from voting while the remaining 13 percent are undecided about voting. It pointed out that 80 percent of male voters have decided to cast votes while only 66 percentage of females exercise their rights. The average age of most voters is more than 45 years. Farwaniya constituency will receive the largest number of voters when compared to other Kuwaiti governorates, reported Al-Watan. The study added that 80 percent of voters from Farwaniya will vote on May 16. Seventy five percent of voters in Mubarak Al-Kabeer area, 69 percent in Jahra, 71 percent in Hawally, 74 percent in the capital and 67 percent of voters of Ahmadi have decided to cast votes. Sixteen percent of voters from Ahmadi have decided not to vote and 17 percent are still undecided about voting.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Kuwait: Women sure to occupy seats in next parliament, shows survey
Arab Times
KUWAIT, April 27, (KUNA): A Kuwaiti specialist in electronic systems and social polls, Salah Al-Jassem, has carried out a survey of voters with the aim of examining their views in the nominees and women’s chances of winning. Al-Jassem said in remarks to KUNA that had carried out three electronic polls on the voters’ orientations and their comments on the performance of the dissolved parliament. The expert said he conducted the first poll in 1996, where he tried to sense chances of the women to win a seat in the parliament, particularly in the first and third circuits. He opines that the Kuwaiti women have gradually improved their chances of occupying seats in the National Assembly, and expressed his belief that some female candidates will garner enough votes to realize this objective in the upcoming polls.
Al-Jassem, who in the past elections made anticipations as to the would-be winners in the polls, said popularity of some of the nominees jostling for seats in the current run-up campaign has apparently waned. On the mechanisms of his work, he said conducting the poll is not an easy work and indicated at some major obstacles such as having access to some segments of the society namely the elderly. Asked whether the anticipations had proven accurate, he said they had been accurate in the 2003 and 2006 elections, but in the 1999 polling process, they were not in two districts “due to some unexpected factors at the time.” He also hints that the calculations prove inaccurate in vote-buying cases.
Improvement
Meanwhile, fourth constituency candidate Saad Al-Khanfour called for improvement of public services, especially employment. During a seminar titled “Kuwait’s Future is Everybody’s Responsibility”, which took place in Sabah Al-Nasser area last night, Al-Khanfour reiterated the need to double efforts so as to improve healthcare, educational and security services. Al-Khanfour voiced bewilderment over the health ministry for not building new hospitals in al-Jahra and al-Farwaniya governorates in almost 25 years. He also talked about large numbers of Kuwaiti students studying abroad due to small number of universities in Kuwait, proposing that branches of accredited universities should be opened here.
As for employment, Al-Khanfour called for solving such problem, especially for high school graduates and under.
Calling for cooperation between the legislative and executive branches in the upcoming period, Al-Khanfour rooted for the drop of loan interests. The fourth constituency groups 99,882 votes distributed over 19 residential areas. In the meantime, candidate for the Fourth Constituency Mubarak Al-Khrainij called voters to elect the candidate that would serve Kuwait the best, and stressed the importance of countering and refraining from adding to political tension. The remarks were made as Al-Khrainij kicked off his parliamentary campaign Sunday night. Kuwaitis are expecting actions, he said, not empty slogans, stressing the importance of achieving development and fighting corruption in every form.
KUWAIT, April 27, (KUNA): A Kuwaiti specialist in electronic systems and social polls, Salah Al-Jassem, has carried out a survey of voters with the aim of examining their views in the nominees and women’s chances of winning. Al-Jassem said in remarks to KUNA that had carried out three electronic polls on the voters’ orientations and their comments on the performance of the dissolved parliament. The expert said he conducted the first poll in 1996, where he tried to sense chances of the women to win a seat in the parliament, particularly in the first and third circuits. He opines that the Kuwaiti women have gradually improved their chances of occupying seats in the National Assembly, and expressed his belief that some female candidates will garner enough votes to realize this objective in the upcoming polls.
Al-Jassem, who in the past elections made anticipations as to the would-be winners in the polls, said popularity of some of the nominees jostling for seats in the current run-up campaign has apparently waned. On the mechanisms of his work, he said conducting the poll is not an easy work and indicated at some major obstacles such as having access to some segments of the society namely the elderly. Asked whether the anticipations had proven accurate, he said they had been accurate in the 2003 and 2006 elections, but in the 1999 polling process, they were not in two districts “due to some unexpected factors at the time.” He also hints that the calculations prove inaccurate in vote-buying cases.
Improvement
Meanwhile, fourth constituency candidate Saad Al-Khanfour called for improvement of public services, especially employment. During a seminar titled “Kuwait’s Future is Everybody’s Responsibility”, which took place in Sabah Al-Nasser area last night, Al-Khanfour reiterated the need to double efforts so as to improve healthcare, educational and security services. Al-Khanfour voiced bewilderment over the health ministry for not building new hospitals in al-Jahra and al-Farwaniya governorates in almost 25 years. He also talked about large numbers of Kuwaiti students studying abroad due to small number of universities in Kuwait, proposing that branches of accredited universities should be opened here.
As for employment, Al-Khanfour called for solving such problem, especially for high school graduates and under.
Calling for cooperation between the legislative and executive branches in the upcoming period, Al-Khanfour rooted for the drop of loan interests. The fourth constituency groups 99,882 votes distributed over 19 residential areas. In the meantime, candidate for the Fourth Constituency Mubarak Al-Khrainij called voters to elect the candidate that would serve Kuwait the best, and stressed the importance of countering and refraining from adding to political tension. The remarks were made as Al-Khrainij kicked off his parliamentary campaign Sunday night. Kuwaitis are expecting actions, he said, not empty slogans, stressing the importance of achieving development and fighting corruption in every form.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Mauritania: Repression of peaceful protests in Mauritania
Amnesty International
23 April 2009
The Mauritanian authorities have violently cracked down on two peaceful demonstrations this month.
In April 2009, two demonstrations attended by political parties and members of civil society were violently repressed. The demonstrators wanted to stage a peaceful protest against the electoral timetable imposed by the authorities who took power in the wake of the military coup of August 2008. The coup leaders overthrew the Mauritanian government, in office since the multi-party presidential elections of March 2007.
On 19 April, the police had used force to disperse a group of women who tried to organise a sit-in in front of the United Nations headquarters in Nouakchott. Many women, including former ministers, members of parliament and human rights defenders, were kicked or beaten with batons and belts.
One of the victims of this repression, Mme Nebghouha Mint Mohamed Vall, former Education Minister, told Amnesty International: "I was hit by police officers. I lost my veil and when my daughter tried to retrieve it she, too, was beaten."
Another demonstrator, Chicha Mint Benna, daughter of Mohamed El Hafedh Ould Denna, president of the opposition Mauritanian Labour Party, fell unconscious after being beaten and had to be hospitalised.
Two weeks earlier, on 2 April, the police violently repressed a demonstration organised by the Coordination of Democratic Forces (a coalition formed by the opposition party, the National Front for the Defence of Democracy (FNDD), trade union federations, human rights and civil society organizations). The demonstrators were protesting against the decision to organise a presidential election on 6 June 2009, which they saw as an attempt to legitimise last year's military coup.
One human rights defender, Boubacar Messaoud, president of the non governmental organisation, SOS Slaves, was beaten up by police at the demonstration. He told Amnesty International: "They beat me on the back with batons and carried on until I lost consciousness. The doctor who examined me later said that the blow to my neck could have killed me".
Several members of parliament, including Kobade Ould Cheick and Mohamed Moustapha Ould Bedredine, identifiable by their official sashes, were also beaten and the police fired teargas at them.
Amnesty International has called on the Mauritanian authorities to respect the freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, without the use of violence.
23 April 2009
The Mauritanian authorities have violently cracked down on two peaceful demonstrations this month.
In April 2009, two demonstrations attended by political parties and members of civil society were violently repressed. The demonstrators wanted to stage a peaceful protest against the electoral timetable imposed by the authorities who took power in the wake of the military coup of August 2008. The coup leaders overthrew the Mauritanian government, in office since the multi-party presidential elections of March 2007.
On 19 April, the police had used force to disperse a group of women who tried to organise a sit-in in front of the United Nations headquarters in Nouakchott. Many women, including former ministers, members of parliament and human rights defenders, were kicked or beaten with batons and belts.
One of the victims of this repression, Mme Nebghouha Mint Mohamed Vall, former Education Minister, told Amnesty International: "I was hit by police officers. I lost my veil and when my daughter tried to retrieve it she, too, was beaten."
Another demonstrator, Chicha Mint Benna, daughter of Mohamed El Hafedh Ould Denna, president of the opposition Mauritanian Labour Party, fell unconscious after being beaten and had to be hospitalised.
Two weeks earlier, on 2 April, the police violently repressed a demonstration organised by the Coordination of Democratic Forces (a coalition formed by the opposition party, the National Front for the Defence of Democracy (FNDD), trade union federations, human rights and civil society organizations). The demonstrators were protesting against the decision to organise a presidential election on 6 June 2009, which they saw as an attempt to legitimise last year's military coup.
One human rights defender, Boubacar Messaoud, president of the non governmental organisation, SOS Slaves, was beaten up by police at the demonstration. He told Amnesty International: "They beat me on the back with batons and carried on until I lost consciousness. The doctor who examined me later said that the blow to my neck could have killed me".
Several members of parliament, including Kobade Ould Cheick and Mohamed Moustapha Ould Bedredine, identifiable by their official sashes, were also beaten and the police fired teargas at them.
Amnesty International has called on the Mauritanian authorities to respect the freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, without the use of violence.
Kuwait: Polls could mark major turning point
Gulfnews
By Duraid Al Baik, Associate Editor
Published: April 27, 2009, 23:16
Dubai: Analysts observed four major changes in the public arena in the 2009 parliament election campaign; two being quite serious which could lead to a dramatic change in the future of democracy in the GCC state.
First, the tone of criticism against the government in the upcoming election is intensified because of pressure to contain the impact of the international financial crisis.
"The tone of disagreement is being heard especially loud during the current electorate campaign, whereas before the Emir and members of the royal family enjoyed more criticism free status," Ali Al Baghli, an ex-minister and writer highlighted. He also added that respect for national figures has slowly been eroding and says that such practices should not be allowed to flourish under the umbrella of democracy.
The defragmentation of a very strong Islamic opposition which used to stand against liberal forces in Kuwait and the rise of tribalism are additional variables in the May election.
"The tribal forces that used to be weaker and very much depending on the support of the government in the previous elections are getting much stronger in this year's election with signs of not only getting more independent from the government but becoming an emerging threat to the government itself," Hamad Al Mutairi of Al Mutair tribe told Gulf News.
According to Al Mutair, tribal politicians have become very powerful and are using grassroots techniques to promote themselves.
He said they now use new methods like posters, SMS, and candlelit sit-ins.
Of striking significance are women candidates from four main tribes calling for public gatherings and speaking in public, Al Mutair pointed out.
He believes that the number of registered candidates for the 2009 election of 283 including 34 women will decline in the coming few days because candidates who registered in the campaign for tactical reason will withdraw before the scheduled election on May 16.
"Women who obtained the right to run for the parliament in the 2008 election and failed to reach the house in the previous election might get closer or even succeed in this year with three of them getting more sophisticated in managing election campaigns," he said.
Aseel Al Awadi, Rola Dashti and Massouma Al Mubarak, are among the 34 women candidates running for the parliament. They are becoming extremely sophisticated in managing their campaigns by focusing on the key issues considered important for people in their constituencies.
"Women participation in this campaign is no longer ceremonial and I expect one or two of them to succeed in their efforts and reach the parliament for the first time in the history of the state," he said
He said women like Engineer Naima Al Hai, a candidate for the third constituency, is challenging the Islamists by running emphasising her right to represent the electorate of her constituency without wearing the headscarf.
Referring to an incident in the previous parliament where Islamist MP's requested a woman minister to wear hijab while in the parliament, Al Hai said, "if they [Islamists] ask me to wear hijab I would ask them to grow a beard, shave their moustache and wear an above the ankle garment like instructed by the Sunna of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)".
The fourth variable in this election is the rise of televised media. Five satellite channels have been launched by different groups to convey the views of the candidates to people in their constituencies. Al Sisy said Al Shahid (the witness), Al Rai (the opinion), Al Majlis (the gathering hall), Al Adala (The Justice) and Scoop, have assigned a minimum of 12 hours of their programmes to cover electoral activities. "There is no more dependence on official media and how much the time it could offer to each and every candidate," he said.
By Duraid Al Baik, Associate Editor
Published: April 27, 2009, 23:16
Dubai: Analysts observed four major changes in the public arena in the 2009 parliament election campaign; two being quite serious which could lead to a dramatic change in the future of democracy in the GCC state.
First, the tone of criticism against the government in the upcoming election is intensified because of pressure to contain the impact of the international financial crisis.
"The tone of disagreement is being heard especially loud during the current electorate campaign, whereas before the Emir and members of the royal family enjoyed more criticism free status," Ali Al Baghli, an ex-minister and writer highlighted. He also added that respect for national figures has slowly been eroding and says that such practices should not be allowed to flourish under the umbrella of democracy.
The defragmentation of a very strong Islamic opposition which used to stand against liberal forces in Kuwait and the rise of tribalism are additional variables in the May election.
"The tribal forces that used to be weaker and very much depending on the support of the government in the previous elections are getting much stronger in this year's election with signs of not only getting more independent from the government but becoming an emerging threat to the government itself," Hamad Al Mutairi of Al Mutair tribe told Gulf News.
According to Al Mutair, tribal politicians have become very powerful and are using grassroots techniques to promote themselves.
He said they now use new methods like posters, SMS, and candlelit sit-ins.
Of striking significance are women candidates from four main tribes calling for public gatherings and speaking in public, Al Mutair pointed out.
He believes that the number of registered candidates for the 2009 election of 283 including 34 women will decline in the coming few days because candidates who registered in the campaign for tactical reason will withdraw before the scheduled election on May 16.
"Women who obtained the right to run for the parliament in the 2008 election and failed to reach the house in the previous election might get closer or even succeed in this year with three of them getting more sophisticated in managing election campaigns," he said.
Aseel Al Awadi, Rola Dashti and Massouma Al Mubarak, are among the 34 women candidates running for the parliament. They are becoming extremely sophisticated in managing their campaigns by focusing on the key issues considered important for people in their constituencies.
"Women participation in this campaign is no longer ceremonial and I expect one or two of them to succeed in their efforts and reach the parliament for the first time in the history of the state," he said
He said women like Engineer Naima Al Hai, a candidate for the third constituency, is challenging the Islamists by running emphasising her right to represent the electorate of her constituency without wearing the headscarf.
Referring to an incident in the previous parliament where Islamist MP's requested a woman minister to wear hijab while in the parliament, Al Hai said, "if they [Islamists] ask me to wear hijab I would ask them to grow a beard, shave their moustache and wear an above the ankle garment like instructed by the Sunna of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)".
The fourth variable in this election is the rise of televised media. Five satellite channels have been launched by different groups to convey the views of the candidates to people in their constituencies. Al Sisy said Al Shahid (the witness), Al Rai (the opinion), Al Majlis (the gathering hall), Al Adala (The Justice) and Scoop, have assigned a minimum of 12 hours of their programmes to cover electoral activities. "There is no more dependence on official media and how much the time it could offer to each and every candidate," he said.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Kuwait: Electronic counting 'not fool-proof'
Najla Al-Naqqi, a former candidate to the National Assembly and a women's rights activist delivered a lecture on women's role in politics. Former candidates Ayesha Al-Amairi, Jamila Al-Fouadri, Dr. Layla Al-Sabaan and Sameera Al-Shatti attended the event.
Al-Naqqi said that even though female candidates could not secure a seat at the Parliament, they put in good efforts and held influential election campaigns. She noted that Kuwaiti women faced many challenges like reduced electoral constituencies(from a previous 25). She expressed hope that Kuwait will be announced as a single electoral constituency in the near future.
Al-Naqqi said that the new five-constituency electoral system has some benefits, even though negative aspects like votes buying exists, reported Al-Watan. She said that the new electronic system used to count votes was not fool-proof.
She highlighted the discrepancy in vote counting by citing the example of a female candidate who received 330 votes when an electronic count was performed. After the votes were counted manually, however, it was found that she had received 442 votes.
Meanwhile, MPs from different political factions emphasized on the role played by Parliamentary Blocs. Each bloc represents a particular political stream.They said that these blocs are 'Kuwaiti' substitutes to the party system present in democratic countries. There will be a quality change of structure in the political blocs, which is expected to be announced during the current session.
For the first time, MP Hassan Johar said that his group is considering acknowledging the presence of other political blocs. This implies that for the first time, a political group based on religious lines may contribute toward increasing the number of Parliamentary blocs into five.
The National Democratic Alliance bloc is still undecided about selecting a new name for itself or joining forces with other blocs to become a liberal bloc.
The Popular Action Bloc which is headed by MP Ahmad Al-Saadoun, has lost many members either through their resignation or failure to reach the Parliament. The remaining members are looking forward to cooperating with a new bloc. Also, the fate of the Independents remains undecided.
-- Kuwait Times
Al-Naqqi said that even though female candidates could not secure a seat at the Parliament, they put in good efforts and held influential election campaigns. She noted that Kuwaiti women faced many challenges like reduced electoral constituencies(from a previous 25). She expressed hope that Kuwait will be announced as a single electoral constituency in the near future.
Al-Naqqi said that the new five-constituency electoral system has some benefits, even though negative aspects like votes buying exists, reported Al-Watan. She said that the new electronic system used to count votes was not fool-proof.
She highlighted the discrepancy in vote counting by citing the example of a female candidate who received 330 votes when an electronic count was performed. After the votes were counted manually, however, it was found that she had received 442 votes.
Meanwhile, MPs from different political factions emphasized on the role played by Parliamentary Blocs. Each bloc represents a particular political stream.They said that these blocs are 'Kuwaiti' substitutes to the party system present in democratic countries. There will be a quality change of structure in the political blocs, which is expected to be announced during the current session.
For the first time, MP Hassan Johar said that his group is considering acknowledging the presence of other political blocs. This implies that for the first time, a political group based on religious lines may contribute toward increasing the number of Parliamentary blocs into five.
The National Democratic Alliance bloc is still undecided about selecting a new name for itself or joining forces with other blocs to become a liberal bloc.
The Popular Action Bloc which is headed by MP Ahmad Al-Saadoun, has lost many members either through their resignation or failure to reach the Parliament. The remaining members are looking forward to cooperating with a new bloc. Also, the fate of the Independents remains undecided.
-- Kuwait Times
Monday, May 12, 2008
Kuwait: New Cabinet must be approved by Parliament
KUWAIT: The fifth electoral area candidate, Fatima Al-Nahham stressed that Kuwait was going through the most important phase in its political history because of the five-area electoral system that she totally disapproved, reported Al-Rai noting that Al-Nahham strongly called for turning Kuwait into one big electoral area to achieve more justice and avoid sectarianism and tribalism.
Speaking at a seminar she organized in Roudha under the title 'Political Tension, Reasons and Solutions', Al-Nahham expressed public fears of the future, particularly in relation to the time when the only sources of national income; oil, ran out. 'We must have alternative economies and turn it into an industrialized nation', she urged noting that the process was not impossible.
'Reform needs a more constitutional Kuwait, more transparency and accountability to the public', she stressed urging all voters to do their best in getting the best candidates through to the next parliament to work on reviving what she described as 'so many frozen laws'. 'I will do my best to maintain a prosperous future for Kuwait and turn the Kuwaiti people dreams into reality', she vowed.
Further, Al-Nahham underlined that women's role in decision-making was so vital. 'Women should not be marginalized', she called.
In addition, Al-Nahham wondered whether the coming parliament would hold throughout its four-year term to help boost Kuwait's economy and discuss all vital issue rationally. Moreover, Al-Nahham urged the coming government to consult the new parliament on forming its new Cabinet to avoid tension between both powers. She also asked the government to have enough female ministers in its next Cabinet.
-- Kuwait Times
Speaking at a seminar she organized in Roudha under the title 'Political Tension, Reasons and Solutions', Al-Nahham expressed public fears of the future, particularly in relation to the time when the only sources of national income; oil, ran out. 'We must have alternative economies and turn it into an industrialized nation', she urged noting that the process was not impossible.
'Reform needs a more constitutional Kuwait, more transparency and accountability to the public', she stressed urging all voters to do their best in getting the best candidates through to the next parliament to work on reviving what she described as 'so many frozen laws'. 'I will do my best to maintain a prosperous future for Kuwait and turn the Kuwaiti people dreams into reality', she vowed.
Further, Al-Nahham underlined that women's role in decision-making was so vital. 'Women should not be marginalized', she called.
In addition, Al-Nahham wondered whether the coming parliament would hold throughout its four-year term to help boost Kuwait's economy and discuss all vital issue rationally. Moreover, Al-Nahham urged the coming government to consult the new parliament on forming its new Cabinet to avoid tension between both powers. She also asked the government to have enough female ministers in its next Cabinet.
-- Kuwait Times
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Kuwait: New faces from 5 constituencies
KUWAIT CITY: Political analysts and constitutional experts say Kuwait will soon witness a totally different parliamentary election due to the implementation of the five constituencies electoral system in the upcoming election.
Speaking to the Arab Times on Wednesday after HH the Amir issued a decree on the dissolution of the Parliament, Constitutional expert Dr Mohammed Al-Maqate said the next parliamentary election will be a novel experience for Kuwaiti voters due to the implementation of the five constituencies electoral system, instead of the 25 constituencies.
“The new Parliament will consist of new faces since the five constituencies electoral system is touted as a means to tone down tribal and familial influence — on a voter’s decision — hypothetically, from 75 percent to 30 percent. Citizens will no longer vote based on their tribal and friendly relations with candidates but on the candidates’ experience and qualifications,” Al-Maqate added.
When asked to explain the new electoral system, Al-Maqate underscored the fact that according to the Constitution, an election should take place within 60 days after dissolving the Parliament. Under the new system, Al-Maqate clarified that each constituency will elect 10 MPs instead of two under the previous system. He added citizens can vote for no more than four MPs out of 10 candidates in each constituency. Al-Maqate said the Ministry of Interior will supervise the election. It will be in charge of allocating polling stations, announcing their locations, and monitoring electoral records while the counting of votes will be under the jurisdiction of an impartial authority headed by the Ministry of Justice, he added.
The new electoral system was approved in 2006 after a heated argument between MPs and Cabinet members on the number of constituencies. The Cabinet pushed for ten constituencies while the MPs demanded only five constituencies. The Parliament was dissolved later since the two authorities were deadlocked on the issue. After the election, the new Parliament passed a law on the five constituencies.
According to the new law, the number of voters in the five constituencies will range from 38,000 to 90,000 instead of 5,000 to 31,000 under the 25 constituencies electoral system. Those who opposed the previous system have argued that the small number of voters encourages political corruption and vote-buying. Other MPs, however, were skeptical saying that the new legislation will not guarantee equality among citizens due to a wide disparity in the number of voters in the constituencies.
In related developments, Al-Maqate commented on the role of women in the upcoming election. He said women have very limited chances in the election “as none of the political blocs have shown any interest in supporting female candidates.”In 2005, Kuwaiti women were granted their full political rights.
None of the 27 female candidates, who ran for office in the 2006 parliamentary election, won a seat at the National Assembly. Recently, the Parliament amended a law on organizing parliamentary elections. According to the new conditions stipulated in this law, candidates are not allowed to put up tents or banners for their candidacy. They can also hold meetings only in these designated locations — school auditoriums, theaters or wedding halls.
Talking about the consequences of the abovementioned law, political activist and economist Rola Dashti said “this law guarantees equality among candidates as it is no longer based on who pays more to win votes. Media will play a great role in this election as there are no restrictions on utilizing any of its forms.” Under the new system, Dashti hopes voters will choose sincere candidates, who are keen on serving the nation and its people. “Kuwait is going through a very critical phase in its history made worse by the escalating tension in the region. At this point, the nation needs highly professional leaders with the ability to take wise decisions,” Dashti added.
Talking about the campaign procedures, Dashti explained those who intend to run in the election should file their candidacy immediately after the issuance of an Amiri decree on the dissolution of the Parliament. She added the decree includes the election date and candidates have the right to withdraw from the race any time before the election.
-- Arab Times
Speaking to the Arab Times on Wednesday after HH the Amir issued a decree on the dissolution of the Parliament, Constitutional expert Dr Mohammed Al-Maqate said the next parliamentary election will be a novel experience for Kuwaiti voters due to the implementation of the five constituencies electoral system, instead of the 25 constituencies.
“The new Parliament will consist of new faces since the five constituencies electoral system is touted as a means to tone down tribal and familial influence — on a voter’s decision — hypothetically, from 75 percent to 30 percent. Citizens will no longer vote based on their tribal and friendly relations with candidates but on the candidates’ experience and qualifications,” Al-Maqate added.
When asked to explain the new electoral system, Al-Maqate underscored the fact that according to the Constitution, an election should take place within 60 days after dissolving the Parliament. Under the new system, Al-Maqate clarified that each constituency will elect 10 MPs instead of two under the previous system. He added citizens can vote for no more than four MPs out of 10 candidates in each constituency. Al-Maqate said the Ministry of Interior will supervise the election. It will be in charge of allocating polling stations, announcing their locations, and monitoring electoral records while the counting of votes will be under the jurisdiction of an impartial authority headed by the Ministry of Justice, he added.
The new electoral system was approved in 2006 after a heated argument between MPs and Cabinet members on the number of constituencies. The Cabinet pushed for ten constituencies while the MPs demanded only five constituencies. The Parliament was dissolved later since the two authorities were deadlocked on the issue. After the election, the new Parliament passed a law on the five constituencies.
According to the new law, the number of voters in the five constituencies will range from 38,000 to 90,000 instead of 5,000 to 31,000 under the 25 constituencies electoral system. Those who opposed the previous system have argued that the small number of voters encourages political corruption and vote-buying. Other MPs, however, were skeptical saying that the new legislation will not guarantee equality among citizens due to a wide disparity in the number of voters in the constituencies.
In related developments, Al-Maqate commented on the role of women in the upcoming election. He said women have very limited chances in the election “as none of the political blocs have shown any interest in supporting female candidates.”In 2005, Kuwaiti women were granted their full political rights.
None of the 27 female candidates, who ran for office in the 2006 parliamentary election, won a seat at the National Assembly. Recently, the Parliament amended a law on organizing parliamentary elections. According to the new conditions stipulated in this law, candidates are not allowed to put up tents or banners for their candidacy. They can also hold meetings only in these designated locations — school auditoriums, theaters or wedding halls.
Talking about the consequences of the abovementioned law, political activist and economist Rola Dashti said “this law guarantees equality among candidates as it is no longer based on who pays more to win votes. Media will play a great role in this election as there are no restrictions on utilizing any of its forms.” Under the new system, Dashti hopes voters will choose sincere candidates, who are keen on serving the nation and its people. “Kuwait is going through a very critical phase in its history made worse by the escalating tension in the region. At this point, the nation needs highly professional leaders with the ability to take wise decisions,” Dashti added.
Talking about the campaign procedures, Dashti explained those who intend to run in the election should file their candidacy immediately after the issuance of an Amiri decree on the dissolution of the Parliament. She added the decree includes the election date and candidates have the right to withdraw from the race any time before the election.
-- Arab Times
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)