BBC News Magazine
A POINT OF VIEW
Clive James
Women who believe liberal values exploit their sexuality have something much greater to fear - the jackboot of dictatorship, says Clive James.
In a week when the troubled parliament of Britain continued to swamp the front pages with tales of fiddle, fraud and the incredible disappearing Speaker, there wasn't much room for news about the parliaments of other countries, but there was one story in the middle pages that might have been calculated to remind us of why democracy really matters. The parliament in Kuwait has just acquired its first four women MPs.
Kuwait is by no means, a perfectly constituted democracy. As far as I can figure out, there is a ruling family whose Emir chooses the government and calls elections for parliament. But women have now been elected to the parliament, by popular vote. It should hardly need saying that this would have been unlikely to happen if Saddam Hussein had been allowed to continue to rule the country by terror, but let's leave his awful memory aside for a moment, if we can, and dare to put forward a general reflection.
Democracy is the best chance for women. Or if that sounds too naive, too pro-western perhaps, then let's put it this way. The absence of democracy is seldom good news for women. Or, to get down to bedrock, if women can't vote for women, then they haven't got many weapons to fight with when they seek justice.
My own view, which I'm ready to hear contested, is that this is the main reason why some feminists in the west have been so slow to get behind those women in the world's all too numerous tyrannies who have to risk their lives to say anything.
It's just too clear a proof that men have a natural advantage when it comes to the application of violence. When you say that women have little chance against men if it comes to a physical battle, you are conceding that there really might be an intractable difference between the genders after all.
Ideological feminists in the West were for a long time reluctant to concede this, because they preferred to believe that there was no real difference, and that all female handicaps were imposed by social stereotyping that could be reversed by argument. But this belief was really possible only in a society where the powers of argument had a preponderance over the powers of violence.
And since many western feminists are still convinced that the social stereotyping of the West is the product of fundamental flaws within liberal democracy itself, they have a tendency to believe that undemocratic societies are somehow valuable in the opposition they offer to the free countries which the feminists are so keen to characterise as not free enough.
I have to pick my words carefully here, because this is the touchiest theme I have ever tackled in these broadcasts, but I do think it's high time to say that if feminist ideologists find liberal democracy unfriendly, they might consider that the absence of liberal democracy is a lot less friendly still.
Helping to give me courage, here, finally, is that quite a lot of women are already saying it. But they tend not to be western pundits. They tend to be women out there, in the thick of a real battle not just an argument. Why their bravery doesn't shame more of our feminist pundits I hesitate to say. It certainly shames me.
This importance of democracy, or at any rate of an amelioration of tyranny, should have become clear when, after Saddam Hussein was deposed, the first provisional government in Iraq included women members. But it didn't become clear, because too many of our commentators wanted to call the provisional government a puppet government, under the control of the US.
Vote best hope
Even as it became steadily more clear that nothing in Iraq was under the control of the US, feminists in the West continued to do a stunning job of ignoring the risks that women in Iraqi public life were running. An Iraqi female MP could get murdered and it was held to be a natural result of US imperialism, almost as if she had been murdered by George W Bush in person.
But she hadn't been. She had been murdered by local men who were making an example of her. They feared what she would bring: the spectre of women claiming an importance equal to that of men.
Last year the excellent Australian feminist journalist Pamela Bone finally died of cancer, but while she was still fighting it she published, in 2005, in response to what she regarded as the thunderous silence that had greeted the stand taken by Ayaan Hirsi Ali, an article called "Where are the western feminists?" What Pamela Bone meant was, that she was amazed why so many of her colleagues couldn't see, or didn't want to see, that democracy was the best hope for women.
Pamela Bone was well aware that there is a necessary quarrel about how democracy can be brought about in countries that don't have it, and I hasten to concede that of the two possible main views about the invasion of Iraq, for example, my own view, in favour, soon became the minority view. But Pamela Bone couldn't see how there could be any doubt that women in the countries without democracy were in a battle that they were bound to lose if the men could prevail by force.
Men will always monopolise the means of violence if they can. Women can learn to shoot guns, but there are no all-female armies, and even the Amazons were probably a myth. Women, on the whole, would naturally like to do something else, whereas an army, for too many men, is a home away from home, and often their only home.
It's the only home for the junta in Burma. The junta is in the news again this week because it found a pretext for locking Aung San Suu Kyi into prison, instead of just leaving her helpless under house arrest. The terms of Aung San Suu Kyi's house arrest were that she should receive no visitors, and some poor demented American
Slow martyrdom
Vietnam veteran made sure that the terms were violated by swimming to her front door.
Like many a head-case he probably just wanted to discuss his theories about how aliens control everything, but the all-male military junta in Burma really does control everything and here was their chance to dump Aung San Suu Kyi into jail until the next election is over.
Aung San Suu Kyi not only has the stature, she has the right, to lead the government of her county. If the public got a chance to say so, she would do so, and bring immeasurable improvement not only to Burma but the whole area.
I say all this because in some moment of optimism I allowed my name to get put on the masthead of the organisation in this country that campaigns for her release, the Burma Campaign, but I have done nothing else for her before today, mainly because I don't believe that my going to dinner with like-minded humanitarians is likely to help much.
What she needs is an invading army, but even if there were one available, armed intervention, since the Iraq incursion, has been out of fashion: no doubt with good reason, but those appalled by the moral cost of toppling a tyrannical regime are still stuck with counting the moral cost incurred by leaving it alone.
The regime in Burma will most likely go on being left alone. Aung San Suu Kyi's slow martyrdom makes the cost obvious. The current best plan for getting her sprung is to bring persuasion to bear on India so that India will bring pressure to bear on the junta, and so on until she grows old and grey.
A better world
Being who she is, she grows old slowly, and at the age of 63 she looks like her own daughter, but time is still against her. If time is all you've got going for you, it isn't much. What justice needs, when it is ranged against naked force, is a contrary force, and the fact that there isn't one is enough to reduce the onlooker to despair.
Despair can coarsen one's judgment. I knew enough about what Saddam Hussein and his talented son Uday were doing to women to want that regime toppled. The price of doing so might have seemed too high, but at least now, six years later, it is no longer official policy to rape a woman in front of her family. There may be unofficial forces still on the loose in Iraq who would like to do that, but the government no longer does it.
Fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan still seems worth it when you have read about what the Taliban want to do with any woman who seeks an education, but it's easy to despair when you think of how hard it is to stop them.
Sometimes despair overwhelms us when we read of just a single so-called honour crime in which the men of a family have ruined the life of a daughter for what seems no reason at all, and the men walk free because that's the culture, and the culture runs the government. I felt despair when Aung San Suu Kyi got taken off to jail, and for her I thought I had no despair left.
But heartbreak feels out of place when we see this news story about the four women MPs in Kuwait, and there's a photo of one of them, rejoicing with her friends. I'm looking at the photo right now. Her name is Aseel al Awadhi. She has a merry face and an exultantly elevated thumb. It will be a better world for all of us if women like her are free to do well, and if she could hear us it would be our simple duty to say good luck to you. And another duty, alas, to say: mind how you go.
Showing posts with label parliament. Show all posts
Showing posts with label parliament. Show all posts
Friday, May 22, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Kuwait: Kuwaiti women win first parliamentary seats
KUWAIT CITY – Official results announced on state television show that Kuwaiti women have won parliamentary elections for the first time, garnering four seats. The Victory is resounding in this conservative Persian Gulf country where parliaments have been men-only for almost five decades.
Women were granted political rights in 2005. They failed to make any gains in two previous elections.
According to partial official results read by judges Sunday, Massouma al-Mubarak, the country's first female Cabinet minister, became a lawmaker. She is an independent Shiite. The other winners were Westernized liberal Aseel al-Awadhi, women's rights activist Rola Dashti, and independent university teacher Salwa al-Jassar.
Women were granted political rights in 2005. They failed to make any gains in two previous elections.
According to partial official results read by judges Sunday, Massouma al-Mubarak, the country's first female Cabinet minister, became a lawmaker. She is an independent Shiite. The other winners were Westernized liberal Aseel al-Awadhi, women's rights activist Rola Dashti, and independent university teacher Salwa al-Jassar.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Kuwait: Women benefit from media coverage
Kuwait Times
KUWAIT: Two lecturers at Kuwait University agreed that women were the ones who mostly benefitted from media coverage of parliamentary campaigns, because it was an easy option for those who found it difficult to attend rallies. Mass communication professor Dr Khalid Al-Qihs said that there was a close link between democracy and media, which helped many women in their evaluation of the agenda of candidates. "The conservative nature of many Kuwaiti families makes the movement of women among campaign circles l
imited in some cases, which gives importance to media coverage of rallies and gatherings," he explained.
Al-Qihs noted that democracy and free media were two faces of a single coin, and media helped voters make the right decision and provided them with all the necessary information about those involved in the race and the performance of the government. Moreover, he said that the district system amendment made it more difficult for a candidate to communicate directly with voters, which in turn prompted many to seek the media. On her part, mass media professor Dr Heba Al-Musallam explained that although women a
ccounted for the greatest percentage of people benefiting from media coverage of campaigns, it remained "an insufficient source (of information).
She noted that different media outlets were government by their own policies and thus focused on the candidates that fell in line with these policies, explaining that the "media framing" theory revolved around the media's focus on one aspect and overlooking others. Al-Musallam also noted that the short campaigning time was not enough for candidates to present their agendas to voters in a thorough manner, and again the media offered a suitable alternative. The launch of satellite channels that were speciali
zed in following candidates' campaigns and seminars is also useful, she said. - KUNA
KUWAIT: Two lecturers at Kuwait University agreed that women were the ones who mostly benefitted from media coverage of parliamentary campaigns, because it was an easy option for those who found it difficult to attend rallies. Mass communication professor Dr Khalid Al-Qihs said that there was a close link between democracy and media, which helped many women in their evaluation of the agenda of candidates. "The conservative nature of many Kuwaiti families makes the movement of women among campaign circles l
imited in some cases, which gives importance to media coverage of rallies and gatherings," he explained.
Al-Qihs noted that democracy and free media were two faces of a single coin, and media helped voters make the right decision and provided them with all the necessary information about those involved in the race and the performance of the government. Moreover, he said that the district system amendment made it more difficult for a candidate to communicate directly with voters, which in turn prompted many to seek the media. On her part, mass media professor Dr Heba Al-Musallam explained that although women a
ccounted for the greatest percentage of people benefiting from media coverage of campaigns, it remained "an insufficient source (of information).
She noted that different media outlets were government by their own policies and thus focused on the candidates that fell in line with these policies, explaining that the "media framing" theory revolved around the media's focus on one aspect and overlooking others. Al-Musallam also noted that the short campaigning time was not enough for candidates to present their agendas to voters in a thorough manner, and again the media offered a suitable alternative. The launch of satellite channels that were speciali
zed in following candidates' campaigns and seminars is also useful, she said. - KUNA
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
Kuwait: Road to Assembly I
Kuwait Times
Published Date: May 10, 2009
By B Izzak, Staff Writer
KUWAIT: Kuwaitis go to the ballots on May 16 to elect the 13th National Assembly and the second in a year. Sixteen women are among 210 candidates competing for the 50 seats in five constituencies. Each constituency elects 10 members while each voter is allowed to cast a maximum of four votes.
Here is a detailed analysis on each electoral district, highlighting the main races, political groups, main candidates and other issues.
First Constituency
Sharq-Rumeithiya-Salmiya
The first constituency has 19 residential areas starting from Sharq in Kuwait City to Mishref in the south. The main areas are Rumeithiya, Salwa, Salmiya, Bayan, Hawally, Dasma, Shaab and Daiya. The district has 69,132 voters, including 37,519 women and 31,613 male voters. The largest area in terms of voters is Rumeithiya with 15,752 voters, Salwa with 12,333 and Bayan with 10,838 voters. The constituency is the third largest in terms of size of voters after the fifth and fourth districts.
Forty-five candidates are contesting the elections including all the 10 MPs in the outgoing National Assembly in addition to three former MPs from previous assemblies. There are also two female candidates - former minister Maasouma Al-Mubarak and prominent women activist Fatima Al-Abdali.
The constituency is divided almost equally between Sunni and Shiite voters. It has a large contingent of tribal voters from the Awazem tribe. The constituency also has a good number of liberal and Sunni Islamist voters, and a strong presence of well-known Kuwaiti families like the Awadhi and Roumi.
Two main lists are fighting the election officially. Both are Shiite while the rest are contesting on individual bases. The National Islamic Alliance (NIA) and its allies are fielding four candidates. They are former MPs Adnan Abdulsamad and Ahmad Lari of the NIA, former minister and MP Youssef Al-Zalzalah and the representative of the Hasawi Shiites Hamad Taher Buhamad.
The list is tipped to bag at least three seats because it has strong support among Shiite voters. The addition of Zalzala's and Buhamad's supporters to the NIA voters has the list in a very strong position. The second list is Peace and Justice which is fielding former MP Saleh Ashour and Hassan Naseer, the secretary general of the group. The list also has a strong following among Shiite voters and is tipped to win at least one seat. Other Shiite candidates include former MPs Hassan Jowhar and Hussein Al-Qa
llaf, who are running as independent and have strong chances of maintaining their seats.
On the Sunni side, all five former MPs are seeking re-election. They include Mukhled Al-Azemi who is backed by Islamists and from his Awazem tribe. Hussein Al-Huraiti, a former justice minister, is also banking on support from his Awazem tribe. Others include Abdulwahed Al-Awadhi and Abdullah Al-Roumi, who are backed by the strong support of their respective families.
Former MP Mohammad Al-Kandari is the official candidate of the Islamic Salaf Alliance and is drawing support from his large Kandari family. But he has two other contenders from the same family, Abdullah Al-Kandari and Jassem Al-Kandari, who was a member in the 2006 Assembly.
The Awazem tribe did not hold its tribal primary like last year and thus its votes are expected to be divided. Besides Mukhled and Huraiti, former MP Ahmad Al-Shuhomi, Mubarak Al-Harees and Mohammad Hamad Al-Rasheed are other leading Awazem candidates. Rasheed is also backed by the Islamic Constitutional Movement. Wasmi Khaled Al-Wasmi, the son of former MP Khaled Al-Wasmi, is a liberal candidate also banking on support from the Awazem and liberals.
Among the two women, Maasouma Al-Mubarak is tipped to make history by becoming the first female MP after she made history in 2005 by becoming the first Kuwaiti female minister. Shiites had all their five members from this constituency and are expected to maintain their numbers or even increase it by a sixth seat.
Published Date: May 10, 2009
By B Izzak, Staff Writer
KUWAIT: Kuwaitis go to the ballots on May 16 to elect the 13th National Assembly and the second in a year. Sixteen women are among 210 candidates competing for the 50 seats in five constituencies. Each constituency elects 10 members while each voter is allowed to cast a maximum of four votes.
Here is a detailed analysis on each electoral district, highlighting the main races, political groups, main candidates and other issues.
First Constituency
Sharq-Rumeithiya-Salmiya
The first constituency has 19 residential areas starting from Sharq in Kuwait City to Mishref in the south. The main areas are Rumeithiya, Salwa, Salmiya, Bayan, Hawally, Dasma, Shaab and Daiya. The district has 69,132 voters, including 37,519 women and 31,613 male voters. The largest area in terms of voters is Rumeithiya with 15,752 voters, Salwa with 12,333 and Bayan with 10,838 voters. The constituency is the third largest in terms of size of voters after the fifth and fourth districts.
Forty-five candidates are contesting the elections including all the 10 MPs in the outgoing National Assembly in addition to three former MPs from previous assemblies. There are also two female candidates - former minister Maasouma Al-Mubarak and prominent women activist Fatima Al-Abdali.
The constituency is divided almost equally between Sunni and Shiite voters. It has a large contingent of tribal voters from the Awazem tribe. The constituency also has a good number of liberal and Sunni Islamist voters, and a strong presence of well-known Kuwaiti families like the Awadhi and Roumi.
Two main lists are fighting the election officially. Both are Shiite while the rest are contesting on individual bases. The National Islamic Alliance (NIA) and its allies are fielding four candidates. They are former MPs Adnan Abdulsamad and Ahmad Lari of the NIA, former minister and MP Youssef Al-Zalzalah and the representative of the Hasawi Shiites Hamad Taher Buhamad.
The list is tipped to bag at least three seats because it has strong support among Shiite voters. The addition of Zalzala's and Buhamad's supporters to the NIA voters has the list in a very strong position. The second list is Peace and Justice which is fielding former MP Saleh Ashour and Hassan Naseer, the secretary general of the group. The list also has a strong following among Shiite voters and is tipped to win at least one seat. Other Shiite candidates include former MPs Hassan Jowhar and Hussein Al-Qa
llaf, who are running as independent and have strong chances of maintaining their seats.
On the Sunni side, all five former MPs are seeking re-election. They include Mukhled Al-Azemi who is backed by Islamists and from his Awazem tribe. Hussein Al-Huraiti, a former justice minister, is also banking on support from his Awazem tribe. Others include Abdulwahed Al-Awadhi and Abdullah Al-Roumi, who are backed by the strong support of their respective families.
Former MP Mohammad Al-Kandari is the official candidate of the Islamic Salaf Alliance and is drawing support from his large Kandari family. But he has two other contenders from the same family, Abdullah Al-Kandari and Jassem Al-Kandari, who was a member in the 2006 Assembly.
The Awazem tribe did not hold its tribal primary like last year and thus its votes are expected to be divided. Besides Mukhled and Huraiti, former MP Ahmad Al-Shuhomi, Mubarak Al-Harees and Mohammad Hamad Al-Rasheed are other leading Awazem candidates. Rasheed is also backed by the Islamic Constitutional Movement. Wasmi Khaled Al-Wasmi, the son of former MP Khaled Al-Wasmi, is a liberal candidate also banking on support from the Awazem and liberals.
Among the two women, Maasouma Al-Mubarak is tipped to make history by becoming the first female MP after she made history in 2005 by becoming the first Kuwaiti female minister. Shiites had all their five members from this constituency and are expected to maintain their numbers or even increase it by a sixth seat.
Kuwait: Women see hope in upcoming elections
Kuwait Times
Published Date: May 10, 2009
By Hussain Al-Qatari, Staff Writer
KUWAIT: As May 16 draws near, hopes seems to be presiding the views of female voters. Even after the issuance of the recent fatwa forbidding voting for women, the supporters of the female a great majority still sees that change is only possible if women reach the Parliament. Kuwait Times conducted a survey to find out about the various views and reasons behind women's support in female candidates.
The young generation of Kuwaiti women believe that for women to win the elections is a statement that needs to be made. Fay Al-Najjar believes it is a leap towards change and acceptance of development. "Before we think of solutions, we have to locate the roots of the problems that we have. Radical solutions for problems are much needed in our country. We treat the crises we are undergoing, which I can best describe as a gushing wound, with a sorry Band-Aid," she said.
Fay explained what she described as a 'gushing wound,' saying, "There is tension between sects, between tribals and non-tribals and between conservative extremists and liberal extremists. This is not something to readily accept. We need to fix this and promote tolerance, and Kuwait cannot do that if it keeps its women stuck where they are." Aisha Al-Suwaidan thinks the female presence will add more sophistication to previous MPs dialogue. "This will make male representatives rethink their strategies and th
e way they debate," she said, adding jokingly that the presence of women will in any case make things better.
Batool Al-Baloushi, 33-year old, echoed Aisha's sentiment. She said she is going to vote for a woman because she strongly believes that Kuwait desperately needs to have women in its Parliament. This conviction stems from her seeing how dialogue has deteriorated immensely in the National Assembly throughout the previous decade. She mused, "Generally speaking, men don't act all crazy in the presence of women, or when dealing with women. So I believe we will be able to listen to more articulate dialogue rathe
r than screaming and fighting in parliamentary sessions when women make it (in).
Sarah Al-Qallaf believes that more than one woman will make it in this year's elections. She said if she could, she would have an all-women parliament. "Men have proved to us over the years that they are hard- headed and not accepting of other views. This is not something that I have made up; watch their debates in parliament and see with your own eyes," she said.
Sarah, 31, says that the demands of her generation are generally career- related. She said that throughout her eight years of work, she saw male colleagues who have come after her get promotions and increments, while she makes less than them and works harder. "When people see that women are capable of making decisions and representing others in the parliament, I hope that their view of us will change and they will treat us as equals at work," she said. She says that she has seen women be more active and in
volved this year than the previous years.
Even her mother, a woman in her seventies, has been attending different candidates' seminars and debating about the country's politics. Salma Al-Enezi, 56-year- old retired teacher says that she is certain of women's presence in the next parliament, but she is worried that many of the female candidates, especially the ones she called 'educated' would waste time competing with men. She said that she wishes those female candidates will prove to be deserving of the voters' trust. Female future MPs should not
waste their time competing with men, but rather focus on what Kuwaiti women want and need. She said, "Some educated candidates I met in person speak my language, but there are other ones who only blabber with big terms and jargon about economy and financial stimulus plans.
Published Date: May 10, 2009
By Hussain Al-Qatari, Staff Writer
KUWAIT: As May 16 draws near, hopes seems to be presiding the views of female voters. Even after the issuance of the recent fatwa forbidding voting for women, the supporters of the female a great majority still sees that change is only possible if women reach the Parliament. Kuwait Times conducted a survey to find out about the various views and reasons behind women's support in female candidates.
The young generation of Kuwaiti women believe that for women to win the elections is a statement that needs to be made. Fay Al-Najjar believes it is a leap towards change and acceptance of development. "Before we think of solutions, we have to locate the roots of the problems that we have. Radical solutions for problems are much needed in our country. We treat the crises we are undergoing, which I can best describe as a gushing wound, with a sorry Band-Aid," she said.
Fay explained what she described as a 'gushing wound,' saying, "There is tension between sects, between tribals and non-tribals and between conservative extremists and liberal extremists. This is not something to readily accept. We need to fix this and promote tolerance, and Kuwait cannot do that if it keeps its women stuck where they are." Aisha Al-Suwaidan thinks the female presence will add more sophistication to previous MPs dialogue. "This will make male representatives rethink their strategies and th
e way they debate," she said, adding jokingly that the presence of women will in any case make things better.
Batool Al-Baloushi, 33-year old, echoed Aisha's sentiment. She said she is going to vote for a woman because she strongly believes that Kuwait desperately needs to have women in its Parliament. This conviction stems from her seeing how dialogue has deteriorated immensely in the National Assembly throughout the previous decade. She mused, "Generally speaking, men don't act all crazy in the presence of women, or when dealing with women. So I believe we will be able to listen to more articulate dialogue rathe
r than screaming and fighting in parliamentary sessions when women make it (in).
Sarah Al-Qallaf believes that more than one woman will make it in this year's elections. She said if she could, she would have an all-women parliament. "Men have proved to us over the years that they are hard- headed and not accepting of other views. This is not something that I have made up; watch their debates in parliament and see with your own eyes," she said.
Sarah, 31, says that the demands of her generation are generally career- related. She said that throughout her eight years of work, she saw male colleagues who have come after her get promotions and increments, while she makes less than them and works harder. "When people see that women are capable of making decisions and representing others in the parliament, I hope that their view of us will change and they will treat us as equals at work," she said. She says that she has seen women be more active and in
volved this year than the previous years.
Even her mother, a woman in her seventies, has been attending different candidates' seminars and debating about the country's politics. Salma Al-Enezi, 56-year- old retired teacher says that she is certain of women's presence in the next parliament, but she is worried that many of the female candidates, especially the ones she called 'educated' would waste time competing with men. She said that she wishes those female candidates will prove to be deserving of the voters' trust. Female future MPs should not
waste their time competing with men, but rather focus on what Kuwaiti women want and need. She said, "Some educated candidates I met in person speak my language, but there are other ones who only blabber with big terms and jargon about economy and financial stimulus plans.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Kuwait: Controversy over voting for women gets heated
The National
James Calderwood, Foreign Correspondent
Last Updated: May 07. 2009 10:59PM UAE / May 7. 2009 6:59PM GMT KUWAIT CITY // Waleed al Tabtabai, who served in Kuwait’s last parliament, stoked controversy this week when he agreed with a member of the Salafi Movement in saying it would be a sin to vote for women in the elections on May 16.
Mr al Tabtabai, who said he is an independent Salafi, was speaking on the sidelines of an election rally on Tuesday.
Fuhaid al Hailam of the Salafi Movement (SM) had started the row on Monday when he said it would be a sin to vote for one of the country’s 19 female candidates, Al Arabiya reported. Salafism is an austere branch of Islam that rejects innovation and believes in a strict, literal reading of the Quran.
“In Islam, the heads of the state should only be men, and we think the parliament is part of the head of the state,” Mr al Tabtabai said. “Other things are OK for women but not to be a part of the parliament.
“It’s an old fatwa,” he said referring to Mr al Hailam’s remarks. “Some of the public are not aware of it, but it was issued 20 or 30 years ago by the ministry of awqaf [Islamic Affairs].
Mr al Tabtabai is likely to regain his seat – polls suggest he will finish in the top 10 in his constituency, earning him a place in the 50-member parliament.
The women who are trying to reach parliament for the first time lambasted the statements.
Naeema al Hai, a Third Constituency candidate, said yesterday: “Those guys say it’s OK for them to take the vote of a woman, but not OK for women to vote for each other. That’s very wrong. That’s not the freedom and democracy that the Quran gave us.”
Ms al Hai said some men are frightened of the idea of sharing power with a woman in parliament.
Kuwait’s mainstream Salafi party, the Islamic Salafi Alliance (ISA), was the largest political group in the last parliament with four seats. Kuwait’s MPs are mostly independent or belong to small political groups. This year they are fielding five candidates. The SM has no presence in the forthcoming election.
The emir, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, dissolved the last assembly and called for new elections in May when some MPs tried to question the prime minister, Sheikh Nasser Mohammed Al Ahmad Al Sabah, who is a royal.
Mr al Tabtabai was involved in the previous political crisis in November as it was his request to question the prime minister that led to the resignation of the cabinet.
Two of the ISA’s candidates, Khalid Sultan bin Essa and Abdullatif al Ameeri, did address an exclusively female audience at a rally on Tuesday. The women passed questions to the former MPs on cards, but did not ask about the fatwa.
Instead, they focused Mr bin Essa’s involvement with supermarkets that sold pork and alcohol overseas. Mr bin Essa said he did not establish the companies, he bought into them, and they have now withdrawn the products.
Mr al Ameeri distanced his party from Mr al Hailam of the SM but did not take sides on the fatwa. “The Salafi Movement is different from us,” Mr al Ameeri said.
“For example, the alliance considers bin Laden as a criminal. They consider him a hero.
“We don’t know what the origin of the fatwa is,” he said. “This is not right. We have to find the correct origin in the Quran and Sunnah.”
Mr bin Essa clarified his party’s position in an interview yesterday. He said voting for women was not a sin. “We separated ourselves from the fatwa. We issued a statement that undermines theirs.”
But some of the women at the rally agreed with the fatwa. Waheeda Abdulwahab, a sister of Mr al Ameeri, said she supportsedit because nobody in her religion would issue a fatwa that was untrue, as doing so would be a serious sin.
Another woman at the event, Sheikha al Fahad, who is involved in running the ISA’s campaign, said: “I don’t agree with the fatwa 100 per cent, maybe 30 per cent. I know what they mean when they say it’s a sin. It’s too soon for Kuwaiti women to enter the parliament – maybe in a few years.”
At another campaign rally this week, a former MP and candidate for the ISA, Ali al Omair, said his religion did not permit women to serve in the assembly but “if a lady is either elected or nominated by the government, we have to deal with her.
“We can’t isolate ourselves because there is a woman in the parliament”.
This will be the third attempt by women to reach the National Assembly since they received full political rights in 2005. The polls predict three women will win seats in the next parliament.
James Calderwood, Foreign Correspondent
Last Updated: May 07. 2009 10:59PM UAE / May 7. 2009 6:59PM GMT KUWAIT CITY // Waleed al Tabtabai, who served in Kuwait’s last parliament, stoked controversy this week when he agreed with a member of the Salafi Movement in saying it would be a sin to vote for women in the elections on May 16.
Mr al Tabtabai, who said he is an independent Salafi, was speaking on the sidelines of an election rally on Tuesday.
Fuhaid al Hailam of the Salafi Movement (SM) had started the row on Monday when he said it would be a sin to vote for one of the country’s 19 female candidates, Al Arabiya reported. Salafism is an austere branch of Islam that rejects innovation and believes in a strict, literal reading of the Quran.
“In Islam, the heads of the state should only be men, and we think the parliament is part of the head of the state,” Mr al Tabtabai said. “Other things are OK for women but not to be a part of the parliament.
“It’s an old fatwa,” he said referring to Mr al Hailam’s remarks. “Some of the public are not aware of it, but it was issued 20 or 30 years ago by the ministry of awqaf [Islamic Affairs].
Mr al Tabtabai is likely to regain his seat – polls suggest he will finish in the top 10 in his constituency, earning him a place in the 50-member parliament.
The women who are trying to reach parliament for the first time lambasted the statements.
Naeema al Hai, a Third Constituency candidate, said yesterday: “Those guys say it’s OK for them to take the vote of a woman, but not OK for women to vote for each other. That’s very wrong. That’s not the freedom and democracy that the Quran gave us.”
Ms al Hai said some men are frightened of the idea of sharing power with a woman in parliament.
Kuwait’s mainstream Salafi party, the Islamic Salafi Alliance (ISA), was the largest political group in the last parliament with four seats. Kuwait’s MPs are mostly independent or belong to small political groups. This year they are fielding five candidates. The SM has no presence in the forthcoming election.
The emir, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, dissolved the last assembly and called for new elections in May when some MPs tried to question the prime minister, Sheikh Nasser Mohammed Al Ahmad Al Sabah, who is a royal.
Mr al Tabtabai was involved in the previous political crisis in November as it was his request to question the prime minister that led to the resignation of the cabinet.
Two of the ISA’s candidates, Khalid Sultan bin Essa and Abdullatif al Ameeri, did address an exclusively female audience at a rally on Tuesday. The women passed questions to the former MPs on cards, but did not ask about the fatwa.
Instead, they focused Mr bin Essa’s involvement with supermarkets that sold pork and alcohol overseas. Mr bin Essa said he did not establish the companies, he bought into them, and they have now withdrawn the products.
Mr al Ameeri distanced his party from Mr al Hailam of the SM but did not take sides on the fatwa. “The Salafi Movement is different from us,” Mr al Ameeri said.
“For example, the alliance considers bin Laden as a criminal. They consider him a hero.
“We don’t know what the origin of the fatwa is,” he said. “This is not right. We have to find the correct origin in the Quran and Sunnah.”
Mr bin Essa clarified his party’s position in an interview yesterday. He said voting for women was not a sin. “We separated ourselves from the fatwa. We issued a statement that undermines theirs.”
But some of the women at the rally agreed with the fatwa. Waheeda Abdulwahab, a sister of Mr al Ameeri, said she supportsedit because nobody in her religion would issue a fatwa that was untrue, as doing so would be a serious sin.
Another woman at the event, Sheikha al Fahad, who is involved in running the ISA’s campaign, said: “I don’t agree with the fatwa 100 per cent, maybe 30 per cent. I know what they mean when they say it’s a sin. It’s too soon for Kuwaiti women to enter the parliament – maybe in a few years.”
At another campaign rally this week, a former MP and candidate for the ISA, Ali al Omair, said his religion did not permit women to serve in the assembly but “if a lady is either elected or nominated by the government, we have to deal with her.
“We can’t isolate ourselves because there is a woman in the parliament”.
This will be the third attempt by women to reach the National Assembly since they received full political rights in 2005. The polls predict three women will win seats in the next parliament.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Kuwait: Kuwaiti women aim for third time lucky in Assembly polls
Arab Times
KUWAIT CITY, May 6, (AFP): Women in Kuwait aim to make it third time lucky as they contest seats in parliament after two failed attempts in legislative elections. US-educated candidate Maasouma Al-Mubarak already made history by becoming the first female minister in Kuwait in 2005, right after women were granted full political rights following a 40-year struggle. “I am very optimistic that a Kuwaiti woman will reach parliament this time. I was the first female minister and I am looking to become the first female member of parliament,” she said after registering her candidacy. Early polls have been called for May 16, after parliament was dissolved for the third time in as many years. “This time we are contesting for a third time more determined, more optimistic and more aware ... I believe the path is ready,” for women to enter parliament, Mubarak added. “Third time lucky,” the US-educated candidate told AFP.
Women voters make up 54 percent of the 385,000 eligible voters in Kuwait, but they overwhelmingly voted for male candidates in the previous elections since 2005.
Activist Badriya Al-Awadhi found in a study published this week that only three percent of women voters cast their votes for women candidates in the 2008 polls.
In the 2006 and 2008 elections, a total of 54 women candidates stood in the polls but without success although a number of them made a strong showing.
A liberal candidate, Aseel Al-Awadhi, who is running again in this month’s election, came in 11th place last year, just behind the first 10 in her constituency who won seats. Nineteen women are standing in this year’s election, of whom all but two have contested previous elections.
Analysts attribute women’s failure in the previous two elections to several reasons, such as the conservative nature of Kuwait society, absence of support from political groups, and lack of experience.
The head of the Women’s Development Institute, Kawthar Al-Juaan, believes the chances of women on May 16 have improved after they gained experience in the previous two polls.
Chances
“I believe the chances of Kuwaiti women candidates this time are very strong ... Kuwaiti voters are more favourable to women than before,” Juaan told AFP.
She said the constant political crises in the the country and infighting within men-controlled political groups would make it easier for women to win seats.
The date of the elections falls on the fourth anniversary of a parliamentary vote on May 16, 2005 that gave women full political rights.
Candidate Thekra Al-Rasheedi, who last year suprisingly secured 2,200 votes in a tribal constituency where voters do not favour women, said this year the outlook is much better.
“Last year, I struggled to visit diwaniyas (traditionally all-male gathering places) simply because I am a woman. This year, I have been invited by so many diwaniyas that I don’t have the time to visit them all,” lawyer Rasheedi said.
A local hardline Islamic group, however, has issued a fatwa, or a religious edict, saying that voting for women candidates was prohibited under Islam.
The Salafi Movement argued that by becoming members of parliament, women would occupy a public office, something “which, under Islamic rules, is prohibited for women.”
Several female candidates, many of whom are highly educated and work in top professions, slammed the fatwa as “politically-motivated.”
Kuwaiti women account for 44.5 percent of the national workforce of about 336,000 — the highest proportion in any Arab state in the Gulf region — but only a few hold top posts in government.
The 16-member cabinet has two women ministers.
KUWAIT CITY, May 6, (AFP): Women in Kuwait aim to make it third time lucky as they contest seats in parliament after two failed attempts in legislative elections. US-educated candidate Maasouma Al-Mubarak already made history by becoming the first female minister in Kuwait in 2005, right after women were granted full political rights following a 40-year struggle. “I am very optimistic that a Kuwaiti woman will reach parliament this time. I was the first female minister and I am looking to become the first female member of parliament,” she said after registering her candidacy. Early polls have been called for May 16, after parliament was dissolved for the third time in as many years. “This time we are contesting for a third time more determined, more optimistic and more aware ... I believe the path is ready,” for women to enter parliament, Mubarak added. “Third time lucky,” the US-educated candidate told AFP.
Women voters make up 54 percent of the 385,000 eligible voters in Kuwait, but they overwhelmingly voted for male candidates in the previous elections since 2005.
Activist Badriya Al-Awadhi found in a study published this week that only three percent of women voters cast their votes for women candidates in the 2008 polls.
In the 2006 and 2008 elections, a total of 54 women candidates stood in the polls but without success although a number of them made a strong showing.
A liberal candidate, Aseel Al-Awadhi, who is running again in this month’s election, came in 11th place last year, just behind the first 10 in her constituency who won seats. Nineteen women are standing in this year’s election, of whom all but two have contested previous elections.
Analysts attribute women’s failure in the previous two elections to several reasons, such as the conservative nature of Kuwait society, absence of support from political groups, and lack of experience.
The head of the Women’s Development Institute, Kawthar Al-Juaan, believes the chances of women on May 16 have improved after they gained experience in the previous two polls.
Chances
“I believe the chances of Kuwaiti women candidates this time are very strong ... Kuwaiti voters are more favourable to women than before,” Juaan told AFP.
She said the constant political crises in the the country and infighting within men-controlled political groups would make it easier for women to win seats.
The date of the elections falls on the fourth anniversary of a parliamentary vote on May 16, 2005 that gave women full political rights.
Candidate Thekra Al-Rasheedi, who last year suprisingly secured 2,200 votes in a tribal constituency where voters do not favour women, said this year the outlook is much better.
“Last year, I struggled to visit diwaniyas (traditionally all-male gathering places) simply because I am a woman. This year, I have been invited by so many diwaniyas that I don’t have the time to visit them all,” lawyer Rasheedi said.
A local hardline Islamic group, however, has issued a fatwa, or a religious edict, saying that voting for women candidates was prohibited under Islam.
The Salafi Movement argued that by becoming members of parliament, women would occupy a public office, something “which, under Islamic rules, is prohibited for women.”
Several female candidates, many of whom are highly educated and work in top professions, slammed the fatwa as “politically-motivated.”
Kuwaiti women account for 44.5 percent of the national workforce of about 336,000 — the highest proportion in any Arab state in the Gulf region — but only a few hold top posts in government.
The 16-member cabinet has two women ministers.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Kuwait: Women determined to restore normalcy to parliament
Al Watan Daily
KUWAIT: A number of political activists and candidates have underscored the importance of giving women the opportunity to gain access to the National Assembly to contribute towards the nation''s development.
The activists made the appeal during a symposium held at Kuwait Bar Association Tuesday amid a strong presence of concerned individuals.
Making comments at the symposium, former minister and First Constituency candidate Masouma AlÙ€Mubarak lamented that although the first consultative council was set up in 1921, women have not been able to make headway as far as active participation in politics is concerned.
"After a long struggle, Kuwaiti women were granted their full political rights on May 16, 2005, which was followed by the appointment of two women in the Municipal Council as well as the appointment of Kuwait''s first ever female minister on June 12, 2005," she said, but arguing that there was still much to be done in terms of women in politics.
For her part, Thikra AlÙ€Rasheedi indicated that the main obstacle to women''s quest to gain access to parliament "is the fact that they have failed to underscore the importance of their participation in the electoral process."
She explained that women "have been always on the defensive as they stressed their independence and competence."
Meanwhile, Dr. Heila AlÙ€Mekeimy reiterated women''s strong determination "to restore the normal parliamentary life, which has been profoundly marred by disputes and incessant political wrangling."
She went on to explain that having women in the parliament "will create a sort of balance, since women are calm and sensible in their dialogue."
She criticized some MPs for using "vague language in the parliament that the common man fails to comprehend."
Moreover, she commented on the unprecedented political instability that Kuwait has witnessed, and said that voters must be decisive to end the paradox that exists in the political arena by voting for women, "since they are most likely to cause a change."
She lamented the fact that many citizens, especially women, were not included in the electoral rolls.
Finally, she expressed hope that AlÙ€Mubarak and AlÙ€Rasheedi would be registered as MPs "in order to regain a normal and healthy parliamentary environment."
KUWAIT: A number of political activists and candidates have underscored the importance of giving women the opportunity to gain access to the National Assembly to contribute towards the nation''s development.
The activists made the appeal during a symposium held at Kuwait Bar Association Tuesday amid a strong presence of concerned individuals.
Making comments at the symposium, former minister and First Constituency candidate Masouma AlÙ€Mubarak lamented that although the first consultative council was set up in 1921, women have not been able to make headway as far as active participation in politics is concerned.
"After a long struggle, Kuwaiti women were granted their full political rights on May 16, 2005, which was followed by the appointment of two women in the Municipal Council as well as the appointment of Kuwait''s first ever female minister on June 12, 2005," she said, but arguing that there was still much to be done in terms of women in politics.
For her part, Thikra AlÙ€Rasheedi indicated that the main obstacle to women''s quest to gain access to parliament "is the fact that they have failed to underscore the importance of their participation in the electoral process."
She explained that women "have been always on the defensive as they stressed their independence and competence."
Meanwhile, Dr. Heila AlÙ€Mekeimy reiterated women''s strong determination "to restore the normal parliamentary life, which has been profoundly marred by disputes and incessant political wrangling."
She went on to explain that having women in the parliament "will create a sort of balance, since women are calm and sensible in their dialogue."
She criticized some MPs for using "vague language in the parliament that the common man fails to comprehend."
Moreover, she commented on the unprecedented political instability that Kuwait has witnessed, and said that voters must be decisive to end the paradox that exists in the political arena by voting for women, "since they are most likely to cause a change."
She lamented the fact that many citizens, especially women, were not included in the electoral rolls.
Finally, she expressed hope that AlÙ€Mubarak and AlÙ€Rasheedi would be registered as MPs "in order to regain a normal and healthy parliamentary environment."
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.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Kuwait: Kuwaiti women hopeful of an entry into Parliament
Kuwait Times
Published Date: April 20, 2009
KUWAIT: Kuwaiti youngsters can pick their representatives from among many since preparations are in full swing for the upcoming parliamentary polls. They mostly share the mutual desire to see women win parliamentary seats due to their wish to reverse the usually volatile political situation in the country. They believe that the presence of Kuwaiti women in the Parliament will be in everybody's interest. Maha Al-Anjari said that she would vote for women, who she said, are the most competent to feel for her concerns and deliver her requests. She also said that she would not favor those candidates who belong to political parties or factions. Hamad Al-Ali said he would cast his vote to the candidate who is really able to represent him regardless of gender. Pessimistic about the political situation in the country that is characterized by tribalism and sectarianism, he said that he would prefer to vote for women in the hope of bringing about political change. Fatima Al-Husseini said that candidates' educational certificates, ideology and political orientation are key to choosing his favorite. Khalid Al-Zawawi vowed to elect only nationalists, male or female. He called for giving women the opportunity to do something new and different on the local political arena, while hoping that they would achieve what men fail to. Ghassan Al-Waqian said that he would support those candidates who are keen about safeguarding civil liberty. He said that he was enthusiastic about women gain access to the Parliament.
Cabinet restricts candidates
Officials said the Cabinet will discuss several issues, such as banning citizens who hold a second nationality from serving in the next Parliament. The Cabinet session will be preceded by a meeting of the Cabinet's legal committee to discuss suggestions prohibiting nationals with another citizenship to run for the National Assembly; in addition, those individuals will be asked to give up one of the nationalities that they hold. Officials said candidates who do not respond to these requests will not be allowed to nominate themselves. The committee said it will prepare a detailed report that will be submitted by Minister of Interior Sheikh Jaber Al-Khalid Al-Sabah to the Cabinet before a final decisions about the issue is made. Meanwhile, an official source said he expected that the Cabinet will either activate the current law that bans citizens from holding two nationalities or the Cabinet will adopt a bylaw to prohibit any person who has two nationalities from being nominated.
Buramiya, Al-Tahous may be nominated
The arrests of former MP Daifallah Buramiya and Khalid Al-Tahous by the State Security Department and their subsequent referral to the Public Prosecution Department will not affect their political future as they will be nominated as candidates for upcoming parliamentary elections, said Dr. Abaid Al-Wasmi, a law professor at Kuwait University. He said that even though the two men are being kept under custody, they will be allowed to authorize someone to submit nomination on their behalf to the election department at the Ministry of Interior, reported Al-Watan. The professor went on to say that that the law forbids authorization voting. However, it does not ban authorizations that are made to complete nomination procedures. Meanwhile, the Public Prosecution Office has begun interrogating Buramiya yesterday.
NA dissolution engineered
Unprincipled socially prominent figures have helped engineer the recent crisis between the National Assembly(NA) and the government, with their aim of dissolving the National Assembly, remarked Mohammad Al-Obaid, a former MP and candidate from the fifth constituency. He pointed out HH the Amir's wise decisions nipped their plans in the bud. Kuwait and the Kuwaiti people have been the only losers in the long run, he said. During a dinner banquet held at his residence, he blamed the government for stalling the country's development plans by refusing to cooperate with the National Assembly. The former lawmaker also felt that no clear-cut programs have been charted out to develop public services in the country. Al-Obaid stated that MPs have the right to inform any minister about their ministries' shortcomings. In case the minister does not respond with a suitable reply, the MP has the right to grill the minister. He asked next premier to appoint qualified ministers who will help contribute toward developing public services. He urged HH the Amir to intervene and grant pardon to candidate Khalid Al-Tahous.
Published Date: April 20, 2009
KUWAIT: Kuwaiti youngsters can pick their representatives from among many since preparations are in full swing for the upcoming parliamentary polls. They mostly share the mutual desire to see women win parliamentary seats due to their wish to reverse the usually volatile political situation in the country. They believe that the presence of Kuwaiti women in the Parliament will be in everybody's interest. Maha Al-Anjari said that she would vote for women, who she said, are the most competent to feel for her concerns and deliver her requests. She also said that she would not favor those candidates who belong to political parties or factions. Hamad Al-Ali said he would cast his vote to the candidate who is really able to represent him regardless of gender. Pessimistic about the political situation in the country that is characterized by tribalism and sectarianism, he said that he would prefer to vote for women in the hope of bringing about political change. Fatima Al-Husseini said that candidates' educational certificates, ideology and political orientation are key to choosing his favorite. Khalid Al-Zawawi vowed to elect only nationalists, male or female. He called for giving women the opportunity to do something new and different on the local political arena, while hoping that they would achieve what men fail to. Ghassan Al-Waqian said that he would support those candidates who are keen about safeguarding civil liberty. He said that he was enthusiastic about women gain access to the Parliament.
Cabinet restricts candidates
Officials said the Cabinet will discuss several issues, such as banning citizens who hold a second nationality from serving in the next Parliament. The Cabinet session will be preceded by a meeting of the Cabinet's legal committee to discuss suggestions prohibiting nationals with another citizenship to run for the National Assembly; in addition, those individuals will be asked to give up one of the nationalities that they hold. Officials said candidates who do not respond to these requests will not be allowed to nominate themselves. The committee said it will prepare a detailed report that will be submitted by Minister of Interior Sheikh Jaber Al-Khalid Al-Sabah to the Cabinet before a final decisions about the issue is made. Meanwhile, an official source said he expected that the Cabinet will either activate the current law that bans citizens from holding two nationalities or the Cabinet will adopt a bylaw to prohibit any person who has two nationalities from being nominated.
Buramiya, Al-Tahous may be nominated
The arrests of former MP Daifallah Buramiya and Khalid Al-Tahous by the State Security Department and their subsequent referral to the Public Prosecution Department will not affect their political future as they will be nominated as candidates for upcoming parliamentary elections, said Dr. Abaid Al-Wasmi, a law professor at Kuwait University. He said that even though the two men are being kept under custody, they will be allowed to authorize someone to submit nomination on their behalf to the election department at the Ministry of Interior, reported Al-Watan. The professor went on to say that that the law forbids authorization voting. However, it does not ban authorizations that are made to complete nomination procedures. Meanwhile, the Public Prosecution Office has begun interrogating Buramiya yesterday.
NA dissolution engineered
Unprincipled socially prominent figures have helped engineer the recent crisis between the National Assembly(NA) and the government, with their aim of dissolving the National Assembly, remarked Mohammad Al-Obaid, a former MP and candidate from the fifth constituency. He pointed out HH the Amir's wise decisions nipped their plans in the bud. Kuwait and the Kuwaiti people have been the only losers in the long run, he said. During a dinner banquet held at his residence, he blamed the government for stalling the country's development plans by refusing to cooperate with the National Assembly. The former lawmaker also felt that no clear-cut programs have been charted out to develop public services in the country. Al-Obaid stated that MPs have the right to inform any minister about their ministries' shortcomings. In case the minister does not respond with a suitable reply, the MP has the right to grill the minister. He asked next premier to appoint qualified ministers who will help contribute toward developing public services. He urged HH the Amir to intervene and grant pardon to candidate Khalid Al-Tahous.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Yemen: Promoting Yemeni Women’s Political Participation through Media Tools
MEPI
Yemeni women have been successful in removing many legal obstacles to their political advancement. However, they still have a long way to go in terms of overcoming social barriers that pose a serious challenge to their integration in the public sphere. Moreover, gender stereotyping often undermines women’s capacity to lead by misrepresenting their genuine talents and aptitudes. In Yemen, the burden often lies on civic groups to collaborate and deliver information that breaks down cultural biases against women and eradicates discriminatory practices. One such group in Yemen, the Awam Development and Cultural Institution, a non-governmental not-for-profit organization, organized a media awareness campaign, supported by the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) local grants program. The project used audio and audiovisual tools to alleviate misguided perceptions on women and encourage their representation in upcoming parliamentary elections.
“This project is for the sake of women in a society that believes in women as effective participants in political decision making”, Thoraya Dimaj, Executive Director of Awam, commented to local press. As part of the MEPI-funded project, Awam partnered with a local TV production company to produce a documentary film on Yemeni women’s achievements in various fields, and a comedy sketch portraying socio-cultural factors that block women’s political advancement. In addition, Awam invited Sanaa University students to participate in a contest to produce an original script for a 30-second public service announcement (PSA). The script delivered a message of awareness and urge for change and action to eliminate social inequality and raise women’s status in the political field. Out of 60 PSA scripts, eight were chosen to have the most compelling messages, out of which one was awarded to a female student for producing the greatest script.
“The importance of announcing the women’s political empowerment script winner is that it will encourage the delivery of a media awareness message that targets all sectors of society through various media tools”, commented Ms. Dimaj. She added that the winning script will be broadcast on local radio stations, and the other scripts will be edited and also broadcast. The documentary on women’s achievements is expected to be completed in May 2009.
Activities of this MEPI lcoal grant project were covered extensively in Yemeni local press including 14October, SabaNews, and Mareb Press.
Yemeni women have been successful in removing many legal obstacles to their political advancement. However, they still have a long way to go in terms of overcoming social barriers that pose a serious challenge to their integration in the public sphere. Moreover, gender stereotyping often undermines women’s capacity to lead by misrepresenting their genuine talents and aptitudes. In Yemen, the burden often lies on civic groups to collaborate and deliver information that breaks down cultural biases against women and eradicates discriminatory practices. One such group in Yemen, the Awam Development and Cultural Institution, a non-governmental not-for-profit organization, organized a media awareness campaign, supported by the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) local grants program. The project used audio and audiovisual tools to alleviate misguided perceptions on women and encourage their representation in upcoming parliamentary elections.
“This project is for the sake of women in a society that believes in women as effective participants in political decision making”, Thoraya Dimaj, Executive Director of Awam, commented to local press. As part of the MEPI-funded project, Awam partnered with a local TV production company to produce a documentary film on Yemeni women’s achievements in various fields, and a comedy sketch portraying socio-cultural factors that block women’s political advancement. In addition, Awam invited Sanaa University students to participate in a contest to produce an original script for a 30-second public service announcement (PSA). The script delivered a message of awareness and urge for change and action to eliminate social inequality and raise women’s status in the political field. Out of 60 PSA scripts, eight were chosen to have the most compelling messages, out of which one was awarded to a female student for producing the greatest script.
“The importance of announcing the women’s political empowerment script winner is that it will encourage the delivery of a media awareness message that targets all sectors of society through various media tools”, commented Ms. Dimaj. She added that the winning script will be broadcast on local radio stations, and the other scripts will be edited and also broadcast. The documentary on women’s achievements is expected to be completed in May 2009.
Activities of this MEPI lcoal grant project were covered extensively in Yemeni local press including 14October, SabaNews, and Mareb Press.
Kuwait: Apathy vs hope
Kuwait Times
Published Date: April 15, 2009
By Rawan Khalid, Staff writer
KUWAIT: Kuwait's elections will be held on May 16, but not many Kuwaitis seem that enthusiastic about them. While a few point out specific issues like women's progress or the rights of bedoons, most seem certain that the polls will bring little change to Kuwait.
Fares K is a supporter of a hands-on policy that hasn't been seen. The 28-year-old said, "What a candidate says during his electoral campaign should be done because what he said is like a promise to Kuwaitis. As we see during every election, candidates say what they want and we put our hopes in them and that they will change the reality in Kuwait. I am sorry for saying this, but nothing has changed.
Kuwait's young generation doesn't want to even think about the elections and they don't care about what is happening in Parliament. Twenty-four-year old Muna A is apathetic. "I am not interested in knowing about the elections and about who won or who lost, because I think the elections are all about wasta.
Another citizen was more critical as he related the many problems in the country to Parliament. "The National Assembly is the main problem in hampering the development in the country. Take the economic crisis for example. I heard that there is KD 2 million spent on the elections when the country needs this money," she argued.
Ahmed is disillusioned about the elections, too. "At the end of the day, elections mean nothing to me because it is the same every year. There are a lot of people who don't deserve to be in Parliament," he noted. On the other hand, there are many young Kuwaitis who are interested in voting for certain candidates but are overall less interested in the elections and Parliament.
A student at Kuwait University, 22-year-old May M, sees women as the key to progress. "I am with Aseel Al-Awadhi and I hope she wins because she deserves to. In my opinion, she has the key for changing the reality in Kuwait," she said.
We want someone who will do what he said in his electoral campaign, like [Mohammad] Al-Hayef [Al-Mutairi] who removed all the old 'musala' from the streets. I am a supporter of Al-Hayef," said 24-year-old Bader A.
Another, albeit minor issue of concern to voters, it turns out, are calls demanding rights for the stateless (bedoon). Granting bedoons Kuwaiti nationality and treating them like Kuwaitis is an issue that some see as key.
Umm Mohammad, a bedoon mother of three, has hope that one day her children will be citizens. "I hope all the candidates who promise the [Kuwaiti] nationality to the bedoon win because they will change our lives. I can't even let my children study in school now," she pointed out.
Published Date: April 15, 2009
By Rawan Khalid, Staff writer
KUWAIT: Kuwait's elections will be held on May 16, but not many Kuwaitis seem that enthusiastic about them. While a few point out specific issues like women's progress or the rights of bedoons, most seem certain that the polls will bring little change to Kuwait.
Fares K is a supporter of a hands-on policy that hasn't been seen. The 28-year-old said, "What a candidate says during his electoral campaign should be done because what he said is like a promise to Kuwaitis. As we see during every election, candidates say what they want and we put our hopes in them and that they will change the reality in Kuwait. I am sorry for saying this, but nothing has changed.
Kuwait's young generation doesn't want to even think about the elections and they don't care about what is happening in Parliament. Twenty-four-year old Muna A is apathetic. "I am not interested in knowing about the elections and about who won or who lost, because I think the elections are all about wasta.
Another citizen was more critical as he related the many problems in the country to Parliament. "The National Assembly is the main problem in hampering the development in the country. Take the economic crisis for example. I heard that there is KD 2 million spent on the elections when the country needs this money," she argued.
Ahmed is disillusioned about the elections, too. "At the end of the day, elections mean nothing to me because it is the same every year. There are a lot of people who don't deserve to be in Parliament," he noted. On the other hand, there are many young Kuwaitis who are interested in voting for certain candidates but are overall less interested in the elections and Parliament.
A student at Kuwait University, 22-year-old May M, sees women as the key to progress. "I am with Aseel Al-Awadhi and I hope she wins because she deserves to. In my opinion, she has the key for changing the reality in Kuwait," she said.
We want someone who will do what he said in his electoral campaign, like [Mohammad] Al-Hayef [Al-Mutairi] who removed all the old 'musala' from the streets. I am a supporter of Al-Hayef," said 24-year-old Bader A.
Another, albeit minor issue of concern to voters, it turns out, are calls demanding rights for the stateless (bedoon). Granting bedoons Kuwaiti nationality and treating them like Kuwaitis is an issue that some see as key.
Umm Mohammad, a bedoon mother of three, has hope that one day her children will be citizens. "I hope all the candidates who promise the [Kuwaiti] nationality to the bedoon win because they will change our lives. I can't even let my children study in school now," she pointed out.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Bahrain: Mothers fighting for justice
By BASMA MOHAMMED, Posted on » Wednesday, April 08, 2009
THREE Bahraini mothers took their fight for justice to the gates of parliament yesterday, as MPs gathered inside the building for their weekly meeting.
They were hoping to persuade MPs to pass a much-awaited Family Law, saying they were fed up with women suffering at the hands of the Sharia courts.
Mother-of-four Amal Juma Abdulla led the hour-and-a-half protest and claimed women were crying out for a Family Law, which would put down in writing how courts should handle domestic disputes.
Sharia judges issue verdicts in divorce cases, child custody battles and inheritance disputes, based on their interpretation of Islamic law.
However, women's rights campaigners have claimed for years that judges often discriminate against women.
"We are demonstrating to call on MPs to find a Family Law for the Jaffari court (which handles domestic cases of the Shi'ite community)," said Ms Abdulla.
"They are discussing the Family Law for the Sunni court, but we are reminding them that we are suffering as well."
The demonstration was organised to vent frustration at MPs for failing to come up with a Family Law to protect women.
However, some clerics are said to oppose the move due to fears it could loosen their grip on the community.
"Some MPs are against this law," claimed Ms Abdulla.
"They should discuss women's problems - not only men's."
Disputes
It was her second protest in a week, having demonstrated outside the Justice Ministry with three of her children on March 31.
The GDN reported at the time that her divorce proceedings had apparently been cancelled after three years by the Sharia court, because she refused to accept child support of BD100 a month from her estranged husband.
She is still legally married to him because she rejected the final settlement, which would have also seen her pay him a one-off BD500.
She is also embroiled in a court dispute with her husband over ownership of their house, which is in her name and was given to them after they were forced to sleep rough because their old home became dangerously dilapidated.
The 33-year-old housewife was joined at yesterday's protest by Zahra Sabah Nasser Hassan and Fadheela Salman.
They held up signs that said: "Sorry MPs, but we are women suffering from injustice. Is our suffering forever?" and "We are abandoned women asking for a law that can protect us."
Ms Salman was there to extend support, but Ms Hassan appeared in the GDN in February after the Crown Prince's Court answered her call for a new home.
It offered her a new house after the Sharia court evicted her from the home she shared with her ex-husband.
The mother-of-two fought for child support and a housing allowance from her ex-husband between 2004 and 2008, but the Sharia court evicted her after ordering her ex-husband to pay her BD70 a month for housing.
THREE Bahraini mothers took their fight for justice to the gates of parliament yesterday, as MPs gathered inside the building for their weekly meeting.
They were hoping to persuade MPs to pass a much-awaited Family Law, saying they were fed up with women suffering at the hands of the Sharia courts.
Mother-of-four Amal Juma Abdulla led the hour-and-a-half protest and claimed women were crying out for a Family Law, which would put down in writing how courts should handle domestic disputes.
Sharia judges issue verdicts in divorce cases, child custody battles and inheritance disputes, based on their interpretation of Islamic law.
However, women's rights campaigners have claimed for years that judges often discriminate against women.
"We are demonstrating to call on MPs to find a Family Law for the Jaffari court (which handles domestic cases of the Shi'ite community)," said Ms Abdulla.
"They are discussing the Family Law for the Sunni court, but we are reminding them that we are suffering as well."
The demonstration was organised to vent frustration at MPs for failing to come up with a Family Law to protect women.
However, some clerics are said to oppose the move due to fears it could loosen their grip on the community.
"Some MPs are against this law," claimed Ms Abdulla.
"They should discuss women's problems - not only men's."
Disputes
It was her second protest in a week, having demonstrated outside the Justice Ministry with three of her children on March 31.
The GDN reported at the time that her divorce proceedings had apparently been cancelled after three years by the Sharia court, because she refused to accept child support of BD100 a month from her estranged husband.
She is still legally married to him because she rejected the final settlement, which would have also seen her pay him a one-off BD500.
She is also embroiled in a court dispute with her husband over ownership of their house, which is in her name and was given to them after they were forced to sleep rough because their old home became dangerously dilapidated.
The 33-year-old housewife was joined at yesterday's protest by Zahra Sabah Nasser Hassan and Fadheela Salman.
They held up signs that said: "Sorry MPs, but we are women suffering from injustice. Is our suffering forever?" and "We are abandoned women asking for a law that can protect us."
Ms Salman was there to extend support, but Ms Hassan appeared in the GDN in February after the Crown Prince's Court answered her call for a new home.
It offered her a new house after the Sharia court evicted her from the home she shared with her ex-husband.
The mother-of-two fought for child support and a housing allowance from her ex-husband between 2004 and 2008, but the Sharia court evicted her after ordering her ex-husband to pay her BD70 a month for housing.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Egypt: Reform to continue
Before a joint session of the People's Assembly and Shura Council to mark the opening of parliament President Hosni Mubarak vowed in a keynote speech that neither the current global financial crisis nor local economic conditions would stand in the way of reform. "We have travelled a long way on the road of political and socio-economic reform but must still introduce a further package of serious reforms to complete the modernisation of our legislative and constitutional structure," Mubarak said.
He told parliamentarians that a new list of draft reform laws were ready to be discussed in the new session, including legislative amendments aimed at increasing the number of women serving in parliament. Only nine seats in the 454-seat People's Assembly are currently held by women, four of them elected and five appointed by the president. The 264-seat Shura Council has 21 women members, 20 presidential appointees and a single elected member.
Minister of State for Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Moufid Shehab told Al-Ahram Weekly that three amendments will be introduced to help increase the number of women parliamentarians.
"We will have to amend the 1956 law on the exercise of political rights, the 1972 law regulating the People's Assembly and the 1980 law governing the Shura Council."
"A ministerial legislative group," Shehab continued, "is currently discussing the necessary amendments, probing the possibility of creating up to 56 new electoral districts."
President Mubarak's announcement that the number of female lawmakers is to be increased provoked mixed reactions.
Leading Al-Ahram columnist Salama Ahmed Salama pointed out that increasing women's representation hardly tops the political reform agenda. "Other priorities," he said, "include amending the parties law in order to enhance competition in political life and revoking the emergency law to curtail the intimidation of independent and opposition political activists."
Under the current electoral laws, says Salama, there is little doubt that most, if not all, new female lawmakers will belong to the NDP.
Shehab also informed the Weekly that amendments to the electoral law are being appraised. "There are a lot of opinions, some in favour and some against changing the current individual candidacy system," said Shehab, adding that "the NDP prefers that this critical issue become a matter of dialogue with all political forces ahead of parliamentary elections in 2010."
President Mubarak went on to tell both houses of parliament to expect changes to the 1993 law regulating elections to professional syndicates. "The amendment," says Shehab, "will provide greater facilities for voting and guarantee that the boards of syndicates are elected in a democratic way."
The current law, drafted by the NDP in 1993, was conceived to prevent the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood from infiltrating civil society organisations, especially professional syndicates. Brotherhood members, however, have been able to control the boards of the Lawyers' and Doctors' Syndicates while the Engineers' Syndicate, bogged down in legal disputes, has long been placed under judicial sequestration.
President Mubarak revealed that he has given instructions that parliament should draft new regulations covering nuclear activities "as part of the strategic decision taken last year to launch an ambitious nuclear programme". Mubarak devoted a large part of his speech to reviewing the impact of the global financial crisis on Egypt. "The first quarter of the current fiscal year registered a growth rate of 5.8 per cent, compared to a high 6.5 per cent during the first quarter of last year," Mubarak said. He urged the government to act to ensure that the burdens of the crisis do not fall on the shoulders of the poor.
"I have asked the government to increase investment spending and to increase the budget deficit slightly, a shortfall that we will recover from in the coming year without placing additional burdens on citizens."
As part of a new financial package regulating the stock market, insurance and real estate markets is to be tightened. "The measures will unify regulators in a single authority in order to better confront crises and attract local and international investments," Mubarak said.
He vowed that the global credit crunch would not deflect the government from pursuing economic reform, saying "the need to provide the private sector with greater incentives in the two areas of investment and exports is more pressing than ever". He did not, however, make any reference to the controversial scheme to distribute shares in government-owned companies to the public free of charged. The programme was officially announced by Gamal Mubarak, the chairman of the NDP's powerful Policies Committee, and Minister of Investment Mahmoud Mohieldin, on 10 November.
Gamal Mubarak, in a meeting with leading NDP members of the board of the General Federation of Egyptian Trade Unions (GFETU) on Monday, argued that "privatisation is not an end in itself but a means of raising the efficiency of public sector companies." He also indicated that a wide-ranging dialogue between the NDP and leaders of civil society organisations is likely ahead of the programme being implemented, and expressed his willingness "to meet with leaders of workers in Cairo and other governorates to address their concerns about the scheme".
In a bid to contain criticism Gamal Mubarak revealed that draft legislation will veto the sale of government stakes in strategic companies, including pharmaceuticals, iron and steel and textiles, and in public assets such as the Suez Canal. He also refuted allegations that the new programme ultimately aimed to cut subsidies and eliminate free public services.
President Mubarak emphasised that moving ahead with the liberal economic reform programme will not come at the expense of social justice and revealed that amendments are in the pipeline to laws governing personal status healthcare, including mental health, insurance and pensions. A new law covering organ transplants will also be presented to parliament.
Mubarak expressed pleasure that parliament has begun discussing a new bill designed to create civil, non-profit universities. "These aim to provide high-quality education to graduates of secondary schools who do not have a place in state universities," he said. The bill was approved by the Shura Council on Monday and is expected to be presented to the People's Assembly next week.
Mubarak concluded with hopes that the new parliamentary round will also witness the passing of another package of laws protecting antiquities and the environment, establishing a new agency for food safety, stamping out illiteracy, ensuring the safety of vessels and the rights of the handicapped.
"A lot of bills will be on the agenda and I hope your debates will be constructive and in the interests of the people," he said.
By Gamal Essam El-Din, Al Ahram Weekly
He told parliamentarians that a new list of draft reform laws were ready to be discussed in the new session, including legislative amendments aimed at increasing the number of women serving in parliament. Only nine seats in the 454-seat People's Assembly are currently held by women, four of them elected and five appointed by the president. The 264-seat Shura Council has 21 women members, 20 presidential appointees and a single elected member.
Minister of State for Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Moufid Shehab told Al-Ahram Weekly that three amendments will be introduced to help increase the number of women parliamentarians.
"We will have to amend the 1956 law on the exercise of political rights, the 1972 law regulating the People's Assembly and the 1980 law governing the Shura Council."
"A ministerial legislative group," Shehab continued, "is currently discussing the necessary amendments, probing the possibility of creating up to 56 new electoral districts."
President Mubarak's announcement that the number of female lawmakers is to be increased provoked mixed reactions.
Leading Al-Ahram columnist Salama Ahmed Salama pointed out that increasing women's representation hardly tops the political reform agenda. "Other priorities," he said, "include amending the parties law in order to enhance competition in political life and revoking the emergency law to curtail the intimidation of independent and opposition political activists."
Under the current electoral laws, says Salama, there is little doubt that most, if not all, new female lawmakers will belong to the NDP.
Shehab also informed the Weekly that amendments to the electoral law are being appraised. "There are a lot of opinions, some in favour and some against changing the current individual candidacy system," said Shehab, adding that "the NDP prefers that this critical issue become a matter of dialogue with all political forces ahead of parliamentary elections in 2010."
President Mubarak went on to tell both houses of parliament to expect changes to the 1993 law regulating elections to professional syndicates. "The amendment," says Shehab, "will provide greater facilities for voting and guarantee that the boards of syndicates are elected in a democratic way."
The current law, drafted by the NDP in 1993, was conceived to prevent the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood from infiltrating civil society organisations, especially professional syndicates. Brotherhood members, however, have been able to control the boards of the Lawyers' and Doctors' Syndicates while the Engineers' Syndicate, bogged down in legal disputes, has long been placed under judicial sequestration.
President Mubarak revealed that he has given instructions that parliament should draft new regulations covering nuclear activities "as part of the strategic decision taken last year to launch an ambitious nuclear programme". Mubarak devoted a large part of his speech to reviewing the impact of the global financial crisis on Egypt. "The first quarter of the current fiscal year registered a growth rate of 5.8 per cent, compared to a high 6.5 per cent during the first quarter of last year," Mubarak said. He urged the government to act to ensure that the burdens of the crisis do not fall on the shoulders of the poor.
"I have asked the government to increase investment spending and to increase the budget deficit slightly, a shortfall that we will recover from in the coming year without placing additional burdens on citizens."
As part of a new financial package regulating the stock market, insurance and real estate markets is to be tightened. "The measures will unify regulators in a single authority in order to better confront crises and attract local and international investments," Mubarak said.
He vowed that the global credit crunch would not deflect the government from pursuing economic reform, saying "the need to provide the private sector with greater incentives in the two areas of investment and exports is more pressing than ever". He did not, however, make any reference to the controversial scheme to distribute shares in government-owned companies to the public free of charged. The programme was officially announced by Gamal Mubarak, the chairman of the NDP's powerful Policies Committee, and Minister of Investment Mahmoud Mohieldin, on 10 November.
Gamal Mubarak, in a meeting with leading NDP members of the board of the General Federation of Egyptian Trade Unions (GFETU) on Monday, argued that "privatisation is not an end in itself but a means of raising the efficiency of public sector companies." He also indicated that a wide-ranging dialogue between the NDP and leaders of civil society organisations is likely ahead of the programme being implemented, and expressed his willingness "to meet with leaders of workers in Cairo and other governorates to address their concerns about the scheme".
In a bid to contain criticism Gamal Mubarak revealed that draft legislation will veto the sale of government stakes in strategic companies, including pharmaceuticals, iron and steel and textiles, and in public assets such as the Suez Canal. He also refuted allegations that the new programme ultimately aimed to cut subsidies and eliminate free public services.
President Mubarak emphasised that moving ahead with the liberal economic reform programme will not come at the expense of social justice and revealed that amendments are in the pipeline to laws governing personal status healthcare, including mental health, insurance and pensions. A new law covering organ transplants will also be presented to parliament.
Mubarak expressed pleasure that parliament has begun discussing a new bill designed to create civil, non-profit universities. "These aim to provide high-quality education to graduates of secondary schools who do not have a place in state universities," he said. The bill was approved by the Shura Council on Monday and is expected to be presented to the People's Assembly next week.
Mubarak concluded with hopes that the new parliamentary round will also witness the passing of another package of laws protecting antiquities and the environment, establishing a new agency for food safety, stamping out illiteracy, ensuring the safety of vessels and the rights of the handicapped.
"A lot of bills will be on the agenda and I hope your debates will be constructive and in the interests of the people," he said.
By Gamal Essam El-Din, Al Ahram Weekly
Friday, November 21, 2008
Yemen: Empowering women in political participation
By: Shuaib Al-Mosawa For the Yemen Times
SANA'A, Nov. 21 — One hundred and sixty six female political activists from around the republic have been chosen for empowerment training for women in the political domain. The training was launched last week in a public event organized by the Supreme Commission for Election and Referendum (SCER) and funded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the European Commission. The training is a component of a wider program to last until 2010 to support women's political participation with a special focus on the electoral process, especially the upcoming parliamentary elections in April 2009.
The International Federation for Electoral Systems (IFES) is also a key player in this program which is considered to be the first of its kind because it directs women's participation as candidates in the parliamentary elections with full support of the official organizations such as the elections’ commission and the GPC ruling party. In fact, the GPC had already spread banners across the main cities advocating for women's empowerment and their political rights.
Khaled Abdulwahab Al-Sharif, Chairman of the SCER, said that political illiteracy, the influence of social and cultural practices, and the novelty of the democratic experience are the main obstacles preventing women from obtaining their political rights. Al-Sharif pointed out that, despite the increased number of registered women in the voters records in 2006 compared to 1993, the individual achievements of women are declining and in need of more popular campaigning programs, such as a media strategy for the political empowerment of women.
The campaign will be formulated in a way that the media’s message reaches the public directly and is accepted by them. There will be strong emphasis on religion to support women's rights and to correct some of the traditional concepts that hinder women's political participation. The campaign plans to include a number of television, radio and print media interviews with respectable religious scholars in Yemen and in the Arab world who will vouch for women's political participation and clarify the position of Islam in this regard.
The media campaign will also target men and women in younger age groups, such as high school and university students, because youth are the potential change makers and future participants in the electoral process.
Moreover, according to the strategy's concept paper, there will be educational sessions on the laws and regulations that promote women's participation in the elections, as an example of the political participation of women in general.
Director of the SCER general department for women affairs Dr. Elham Abdulwahab explained that, in addition to the official and non-official media, there will be large mobile screens in the main streets presenting short documentaries and drama sketches to promote women's political participation.
Al-Sharif hoped that government institutions, political parties, and civil society organizations would have a responsibility to enhance women’s political participation in order for them to reach a reasonable percentage in both the parliament and local councils.
Pratibha Mehta, UNDP Resident Representative and UN Resident Coordinator, said, "It is indeed very commendable that SCER in Yemen has a separate department focusing on women's participation, something that many countries don’t have".
Mehta regretted that over the past three elections, there had been a decline in the number of successful women contesting in the elections, but stressed the importance of creating programs such as the ones organized by the commission’s women’s department to build the capacity of women to contest and participate in the next elections.
Michael Dorsaw, Charge d'Affaires of the European Union, said, "Actually, if gender were not such a big problem in Yemen, we would not be here today. Facts talk by themselves. Yemen has the worst gender indicators in the world. This must change; we must give a voice to 50 percent of the population."
He added that the EU had observed the local councils elections in 2006 and produced recommendations to enhance women’s participation in the election process. He described the fact of having only one elected women in Parliament as shocking, adding "this should change not for [women], but for Yemen."
He also said that they should kick off the process in the next days and weeks, and further stressed the importance of education, calling on political parties and civil society organizations to enhance the current situation of women.
IFES manager Peter Williams commented on the issue: "The parties have dialogued over the women's quota but no action is being made to make it happen". He pointed out that the international community is supporting Yemeni women because Yemeni men who are in position to do something about women's rights have do not do anything.
He added, "The parties like to talk about women’s rights because they think their words will look good, [but] words without actions are empty". He concluded his speech by exhorting those who have the power to take action: "Stop talking and do something constructive to make all your fine words a reality for Yemeni women."
Mehta recommended married women seek family support to actively participate in the electoral process, and stated that financial support could be a major obstacle to women’s running in the election. Mr. Williams, agreed with Mehta on the funding issue, commenting, "The political parties are given campaign funding but those who control the money are men; women do not receive any support like this.”
SANA'A, Nov. 21 — One hundred and sixty six female political activists from around the republic have been chosen for empowerment training for women in the political domain. The training was launched last week in a public event organized by the Supreme Commission for Election and Referendum (SCER) and funded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the European Commission. The training is a component of a wider program to last until 2010 to support women's political participation with a special focus on the electoral process, especially the upcoming parliamentary elections in April 2009.
The International Federation for Electoral Systems (IFES) is also a key player in this program which is considered to be the first of its kind because it directs women's participation as candidates in the parliamentary elections with full support of the official organizations such as the elections’ commission and the GPC ruling party. In fact, the GPC had already spread banners across the main cities advocating for women's empowerment and their political rights.
Khaled Abdulwahab Al-Sharif, Chairman of the SCER, said that political illiteracy, the influence of social and cultural practices, and the novelty of the democratic experience are the main obstacles preventing women from obtaining their political rights. Al-Sharif pointed out that, despite the increased number of registered women in the voters records in 2006 compared to 1993, the individual achievements of women are declining and in need of more popular campaigning programs, such as a media strategy for the political empowerment of women.
The campaign will be formulated in a way that the media’s message reaches the public directly and is accepted by them. There will be strong emphasis on religion to support women's rights and to correct some of the traditional concepts that hinder women's political participation. The campaign plans to include a number of television, radio and print media interviews with respectable religious scholars in Yemen and in the Arab world who will vouch for women's political participation and clarify the position of Islam in this regard.
The media campaign will also target men and women in younger age groups, such as high school and university students, because youth are the potential change makers and future participants in the electoral process.
Moreover, according to the strategy's concept paper, there will be educational sessions on the laws and regulations that promote women's participation in the elections, as an example of the political participation of women in general.
Director of the SCER general department for women affairs Dr. Elham Abdulwahab explained that, in addition to the official and non-official media, there will be large mobile screens in the main streets presenting short documentaries and drama sketches to promote women's political participation.
Al-Sharif hoped that government institutions, political parties, and civil society organizations would have a responsibility to enhance women’s political participation in order for them to reach a reasonable percentage in both the parliament and local councils.
Pratibha Mehta, UNDP Resident Representative and UN Resident Coordinator, said, "It is indeed very commendable that SCER in Yemen has a separate department focusing on women's participation, something that many countries don’t have".
Mehta regretted that over the past three elections, there had been a decline in the number of successful women contesting in the elections, but stressed the importance of creating programs such as the ones organized by the commission’s women’s department to build the capacity of women to contest and participate in the next elections.
Michael Dorsaw, Charge d'Affaires of the European Union, said, "Actually, if gender were not such a big problem in Yemen, we would not be here today. Facts talk by themselves. Yemen has the worst gender indicators in the world. This must change; we must give a voice to 50 percent of the population."
He added that the EU had observed the local councils elections in 2006 and produced recommendations to enhance women’s participation in the election process. He described the fact of having only one elected women in Parliament as shocking, adding "this should change not for [women], but for Yemen."
He also said that they should kick off the process in the next days and weeks, and further stressed the importance of education, calling on political parties and civil society organizations to enhance the current situation of women.
IFES manager Peter Williams commented on the issue: "The parties have dialogued over the women's quota but no action is being made to make it happen". He pointed out that the international community is supporting Yemeni women because Yemeni men who are in position to do something about women's rights have do not do anything.
He added, "The parties like to talk about women’s rights because they think their words will look good, [but] words without actions are empty". He concluded his speech by exhorting those who have the power to take action: "Stop talking and do something constructive to make all your fine words a reality for Yemeni women."
Mehta recommended married women seek family support to actively participate in the electoral process, and stated that financial support could be a major obstacle to women’s running in the election. Mr. Williams, agreed with Mehta on the funding issue, commenting, "The political parties are given campaign funding but those who control the money are men; women do not receive any support like this.”
Monday, June 9, 2008
Egypt: Law Passed Banning Female Circumcision
Egyptian members of Parliament passed a new law that bans female circumcision. The new bill also changed the legal minimum age for marriage to 18 years-old for both genders.
The laws passed on Sunday impose jail time and large fines if caught practicing female circumcision. A maximum jail term of two years or a fine between $200 and $1,000 can be handed down by a judge.
The only means allowed for the process is in cases of "medical necessity." International rights groups welcomed the decision, saying it is a step in the right direction for Egypt.
The laws are enforceable immediately.
Some members of Parliament argued that the bill goes against Islamic principles and this is another attempt by the "west" to impose "its beliefs on our culture." However, most Islamic scholars welcomed the decision, saying it was long overdue to outlaw a practice that needed to be ended.
Some accounts argue that as many as 97 percent of Egyptian women have been circumcised. The practice is widespread in Upper Egyptian villages, and can often lead to death, infection and psychological trauma, Amnesty International has reported.
Previously Egyptian girls were allowed to legally marry at the age of 16.
By Joseph Mayton - AHN Middle East Correspondent
The laws passed on Sunday impose jail time and large fines if caught practicing female circumcision. A maximum jail term of two years or a fine between $200 and $1,000 can be handed down by a judge.
The only means allowed for the process is in cases of "medical necessity." International rights groups welcomed the decision, saying it is a step in the right direction for Egypt.
The laws are enforceable immediately.
Some members of Parliament argued that the bill goes against Islamic principles and this is another attempt by the "west" to impose "its beliefs on our culture." However, most Islamic scholars welcomed the decision, saying it was long overdue to outlaw a practice that needed to be ended.
Some accounts argue that as many as 97 percent of Egyptian women have been circumcised. The practice is widespread in Upper Egyptian villages, and can often lead to death, infection and psychological trauma, Amnesty International has reported.
Previously Egyptian girls were allowed to legally marry at the age of 16.
By Joseph Mayton - AHN Middle East Correspondent
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Kuwait: Women ministers under fire in hijab scandal
Kuwait's new conservative-controlled parliament voted on Sunday to refer the case of two women ministers not wearing the hijab headscarf to its legal committee, to establish if they broke the law.
The vote followed a token walkout by nine Islamist and tribal MPs in protest at the two women's failure to wear the hijab.
Thirty-three MPs voted for the proposal put forward by a number of Islamist and tribal lawmakers during the first session of the parliament that was elected on May 17 in the oil-rich Gulf Arab state.
The proposal was opposed by 21 members, including liberal MPs and cabinet ministers who are ex-officio members of parliament.
The legal committee will now have to establish if the two ministers violated a law that requires women to "abide by Islamic regulations while voting or contesting the elections".
Earlier nine MPs walked out of the chamber in protest against the two women ministers after members of the new cabinet began taking the oath.One, Islamist Jaber Al-Azemi, told reporters that the two ministers violated the law and that this was a challenge by the government to parliament.
The two are Education Minister Nuriya Al-Sebih, retained from the previous cabinet, and State Minister for Housing and Administrative Development Mudhi Al-Humoud, a first-time appointee.
Kuwaiti women were granted political rights in May 2005. Fifty-four female candidates contested the last two general elections but none has yet been elected.
As well as its 50 elected members, the Kuwaiti parliament also comprises 15 cabinet ministers.
-- AFP
The vote followed a token walkout by nine Islamist and tribal MPs in protest at the two women's failure to wear the hijab.
Thirty-three MPs voted for the proposal put forward by a number of Islamist and tribal lawmakers during the first session of the parliament that was elected on May 17 in the oil-rich Gulf Arab state.
The proposal was opposed by 21 members, including liberal MPs and cabinet ministers who are ex-officio members of parliament.
The legal committee will now have to establish if the two ministers violated a law that requires women to "abide by Islamic regulations while voting or contesting the elections".
Earlier nine MPs walked out of the chamber in protest against the two women ministers after members of the new cabinet began taking the oath.One, Islamist Jaber Al-Azemi, told reporters that the two ministers violated the law and that this was a challenge by the government to parliament.
The two are Education Minister Nuriya Al-Sebih, retained from the previous cabinet, and State Minister for Housing and Administrative Development Mudhi Al-Humoud, a first-time appointee.
Kuwaiti women were granted political rights in May 2005. Fifty-four female candidates contested the last two general elections but none has yet been elected.
As well as its 50 elected members, the Kuwaiti parliament also comprises 15 cabinet ministers.
-- AFP
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Kuwait: New cabinet with 2 women sworn-in
KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir yesterday sworn-in the new Cabinet that immediately came under fire from a number of MPs setting the stage for yet another bout of political disputes. The 16-member Cabinet includes seven new faces, some of whom were ministers before, and two women while the four ministers from the ruling family were retained in their posts.
Ali Al-Barrak, who was the Education Ministry Undersecretary, was appointed as Health Minister, while former Islamist MP Ahmad Baqer became Minister of Commerce and Industry and State Minister for National Assembly Affairs. He was a minister before 2006.
Hussein Al-Huraiti, the only elected MP in the Cabinet, was appointed Minister of Justice and Islamic Affairs.
Abdulrahman Al-Ghuneim was appointed as Minister of Communications. He was a minister in 1980s. Bader Al-Duwailah was appointed as Minister of Social Affairs and Labor while Fadhel Safar, a Shiite and a member of the municipal council, was appointed Minister of Public Works and Municipality.
Mohammad Al-Olaim was appointed as Minister of Oil and Electricity and Water. He was Minister of Electricity and Water and Acting Oil Minister in the previous Cabinet.
Finance Minister Mustafa Al-Shamali was retained.
The two women in the Cabinet are Nouriya Al-Sabeeh and newcomer Mudhi Al-Humoud.
Sabeeh was retained as Education Minister while Humoud was appointed State Minister of Housing and Administrative Development. Humoud is a liberal academic and former head of the Arab Open University.
Despite threats to grill him, Interior Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Khaled Al-Sabah was retained in his post. The new Cabinet appears to have fulfilled sectarian and tribal divisions of the society.
The four major tribes of Awazem, Rashayda, Mutairi and Ajmans are represented. Shiites have two ministers, Safar and Shamali, the same number of the previous Cabinet.
Politically, Liberals and Islamists are well-represented with one minister each for the Salafis and Islamic Constitutional Movement and one for the Shiite National Islamic Alliance. This is the fourth government to be formed by Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah since he first became a prime minister in February 2006.
In the past two years, two assemblies were dissolved because of political disputes and early elections were called. Following the swearing-in ceremony, HH the Amir urged the new ministers to work united as a team and to cooperate with the National Assembly.
But the new Cabinet was not to the liking of several MPs, especially Islamists. Hardline Salafi MP Mohammad Hayef Al-Mutairi spared no time to criticize the new line-up.
He said he is studying boycotting the opening session of the National Assembly because the Cabinet includes two women who do not abide by the election law which requires women to respect Islamic Sharia law, a reference that the two female ministers do not use the Hijab, or head cover. Mutairi also criticized the inclusion of Safar, alleging that "he is suspected of being a member of Hezbollah Kuwait". Safar was among several Shiite activists detained and interrogated in March over accusations of being members of the Kuwaiti branch of Hezbollah.
The public prosecution however did not press charges against them for lack of evidence. The detention came after a rally was held to mourn former Lebanon's Hezbollah leader Imad Mughnieh, accused in Kuwait of hijacking a Kuwaiti plane and killing two citizens in 1988.
Islamist MP Faisal Al-Muslim said the new Cabinet is "disappointing" adding that he is contemplating taking a "practical action" without elaborating. Leader of the Salaf group Khaled Sultan Al-Issa particularly criticized the inclusion of Humoud saying she is likely to "become a cause for a crisis".
He did not elaborate but he was apparently referring to the fact that Humoud is a leading liberal activist. Outspoken opposition MP Mussallam Al-Barrak said that Kuwait needed a national salvation government away from the quota system that has never worked.
In the meantime, 30 new MPs held an informal meeting yesterday at the Diwaniya of MP Saleh Al-Mulla and discussed several issues including the election of a speaker. MP Waleed Al-Tabtabai said that several MPs raised the idea of electing a new speaker other than former speakers Jassem Al-Khorafi and Ahmad Al-Saadoun who are the only candidates. Tabtabai said that he was ready to withdraw from the race if Khorafi also withdrew and MPs agreed on a consensus speaker.
The name of MP Abdullah Al-Roumi was raised but no decision was taken as several MPs protested that this issue should be discussed only in the National Assembly. Khorafi did not attend the meeting. The lawmakers also discussed a proposal calling to boycott the opening of next assembly term in October if the government failed to present its program by then.
Several MPs called for giving the new government enough time to perform and for postponing any grilling. MPs will continue the meeting today at the Diwaniya of MP Nasser Al-Duwailah.
By B Izzak, Kuwait Times
Ali Al-Barrak, who was the Education Ministry Undersecretary, was appointed as Health Minister, while former Islamist MP Ahmad Baqer became Minister of Commerce and Industry and State Minister for National Assembly Affairs. He was a minister before 2006.
Hussein Al-Huraiti, the only elected MP in the Cabinet, was appointed Minister of Justice and Islamic Affairs.
Abdulrahman Al-Ghuneim was appointed as Minister of Communications. He was a minister in 1980s. Bader Al-Duwailah was appointed as Minister of Social Affairs and Labor while Fadhel Safar, a Shiite and a member of the municipal council, was appointed Minister of Public Works and Municipality.
Mohammad Al-Olaim was appointed as Minister of Oil and Electricity and Water. He was Minister of Electricity and Water and Acting Oil Minister in the previous Cabinet.
Finance Minister Mustafa Al-Shamali was retained.
The two women in the Cabinet are Nouriya Al-Sabeeh and newcomer Mudhi Al-Humoud.
Sabeeh was retained as Education Minister while Humoud was appointed State Minister of Housing and Administrative Development. Humoud is a liberal academic and former head of the Arab Open University.
Despite threats to grill him, Interior Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Khaled Al-Sabah was retained in his post. The new Cabinet appears to have fulfilled sectarian and tribal divisions of the society.
The four major tribes of Awazem, Rashayda, Mutairi and Ajmans are represented. Shiites have two ministers, Safar and Shamali, the same number of the previous Cabinet.
Politically, Liberals and Islamists are well-represented with one minister each for the Salafis and Islamic Constitutional Movement and one for the Shiite National Islamic Alliance. This is the fourth government to be formed by Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah since he first became a prime minister in February 2006.
In the past two years, two assemblies were dissolved because of political disputes and early elections were called. Following the swearing-in ceremony, HH the Amir urged the new ministers to work united as a team and to cooperate with the National Assembly.
But the new Cabinet was not to the liking of several MPs, especially Islamists. Hardline Salafi MP Mohammad Hayef Al-Mutairi spared no time to criticize the new line-up.
He said he is studying boycotting the opening session of the National Assembly because the Cabinet includes two women who do not abide by the election law which requires women to respect Islamic Sharia law, a reference that the two female ministers do not use the Hijab, or head cover. Mutairi also criticized the inclusion of Safar, alleging that "he is suspected of being a member of Hezbollah Kuwait". Safar was among several Shiite activists detained and interrogated in March over accusations of being members of the Kuwaiti branch of Hezbollah.
The public prosecution however did not press charges against them for lack of evidence. The detention came after a rally was held to mourn former Lebanon's Hezbollah leader Imad Mughnieh, accused in Kuwait of hijacking a Kuwaiti plane and killing two citizens in 1988.
Islamist MP Faisal Al-Muslim said the new Cabinet is "disappointing" adding that he is contemplating taking a "practical action" without elaborating. Leader of the Salaf group Khaled Sultan Al-Issa particularly criticized the inclusion of Humoud saying she is likely to "become a cause for a crisis".
He did not elaborate but he was apparently referring to the fact that Humoud is a leading liberal activist. Outspoken opposition MP Mussallam Al-Barrak said that Kuwait needed a national salvation government away from the quota system that has never worked.
In the meantime, 30 new MPs held an informal meeting yesterday at the Diwaniya of MP Saleh Al-Mulla and discussed several issues including the election of a speaker. MP Waleed Al-Tabtabai said that several MPs raised the idea of electing a new speaker other than former speakers Jassem Al-Khorafi and Ahmad Al-Saadoun who are the only candidates. Tabtabai said that he was ready to withdraw from the race if Khorafi also withdrew and MPs agreed on a consensus speaker.
The name of MP Abdullah Al-Roumi was raised but no decision was taken as several MPs protested that this issue should be discussed only in the National Assembly. Khorafi did not attend the meeting. The lawmakers also discussed a proposal calling to boycott the opening of next assembly term in October if the government failed to present its program by then.
Several MPs called for giving the new government enough time to perform and for postponing any grilling. MPs will continue the meeting today at the Diwaniya of MP Nasser Al-Duwailah.
By B Izzak, Kuwait Times
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