KUWAIT CITY, Nov 11: A total of 33 candidates have been disqualified from the 2020 National Assembly elections, 32 of whom failed to meet the conditions and one did not complete the necessary procedures. Chairperson of the committee tasked to scrutinize the candidates’ files First Attorney General Sultan Bo Jarwah on Tuesday submitted the report of the committee to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anas Al-Saleh who praised the efforts exerted by the committee in completing its task.

According to reliable sources, the disqualified candidates were convicted of offending the Amiri Entity and participating in illegal demonstrations. Sources said these candidates have the right to submit complaints to the concerned court, which will issue its decision before the election. The prominent candidates who were disqualified include Anwar Al-Fin from the Fourth Constituency; in addition to Badr Al-Dahoum, Khalid Al-Neif Al-Mutairi and Ayedh Al-Otaibi (Abu Khusah) from the Fifth Constituency. Election analysts expect fierce competition among the former MPs and candidates with media presence, taking into consideration that the coronavirus brought about major changes in the electoral campaign system which is now limited to online and media platforms.

Meanwhile, the Elections Committee formed by the Cabinet asked the Fatwa and Legislation Department for legal advice regarding the voting mechanism for citizens infected with coronavirus. The committee clarified that legal advice is necessary on whether to allow these citizens to vote provided the necessary measures are taken or to prevent them from voting as they could be imprisoned for going out during the quarantine period.

The committee also discussed the suggestion to increase the number of polling precincts, especially in densely populated areas. On the other hand, Dr Badr Al-Dahoum reacted to the decision to disqualify him from the election. He was surprised when he was informed about the decision because he obtained a letter from the Interior Ministry three years ago affirming that there is no record of any verdict against him.

He also obtained a clearance from the Ministry of Justice before filing his candidacy and this means he is qualified to stand for the upcoming elections. Also commenting on the disqualification decision, former MP Osama Al-Shaheen pointed out that June 22, 2016 is considered a Black Day in the history of Kuwait as the law on disqualifying candidates was ratified on this day. He described the law as a political execution tool; disclosing the parliamentary Legislative, Interior and Defense committees at the time approved the law which the Assembly ratified in the first and second readings within one hour. He believes the law is aimed at cutting the way for the opposition MPs.

He quoted the Fatwa and Legislation Department as saying that the law cannot be enforced retroactively and it allows the disqualified candidates to submit complaints to the concerned court.

By Saeed Mahmoud Saleh Arab Times Staff