KUWAIT CITY, Sept 4: With the country drawing near legislative elections, to be held on the 29th of this month, Kuwaiti citizens express delight at the promising outcome, dubbing it a pivotal point in Kuwait’s parliamentary life. Talking individually to the state-run news agency (KUNA), the citizens collectively agreed that for this election to achieve the desired reformation and development, it must go in accordance with recent cabinet decisions aiming for improvement and development. The two legislative and executive authorities should work hand in hand in an optimal efficient way to achieve the aspirations of the Kuwaiti people, the citizens added.

They further highlighted the issues they wish to see addressed in the upcoming legislative term, including issues of housing, healthcare, and education as well as matters of progress, prosperity and development. Abdullah Al-Hamar commented that recent measures taken by political leadership of Kuwait revitalized political life and ushered in positive tides. Al-Hamar hoped that this new stage would steer Kuwait away from economic recession and into economic rejuvenation, via achieving new Kuwait 2035 vision and accomplishing sustained development goals. He illustrated that the government and the elected officials are in a race against time to combat corruption saying it is “the only road towards achievement.”

On his part, Ghazi Al-Otaibi underlined education as an issue concerning every citizen, calling it a pillar of development and awareness. He added that responsibility of furthering education and ensuring its compatibility with the job market falls on both the government and the parliament. Al-Otaibi touched on other issues to be addressed including housing crisis, unemployment and traffic congestion.

As for Nawaf Al-Fahad, he described the upcoming elections as a great opportunity and a test to outcomes of Kuwaiti public, especially as the government is cracking down on illegal activities of unauthorized primary elections, vote-buying and transfers in between constituencies. He voiced hopes that a majority of elected persons would be youths as they are capable of facing challenges and contribute to laws that enable youths to assume senior positions, as that would revitalize the country

Instruments
Ahmad Al-Fadhli called for utilizing instruments of observation, review and accountability, calling them stepping-stones to success. He also stated that this new phase requires shying away from harmful favoritism and pandering for it to be a phase of success and achievement. On the role of women, Sarah Kamal commented that Kuwaiti women’s role is as important as men’s, adding that the voice of women is quite an influential factor.

Kamal hoped that a number of female candidates could gain access to Abdullah Al-Salem Hall, calling on Kuwaiti women and youth to have faith in their own roles. As for Sheikha Abdulaziz, she added that collaboration, good intent and determination are vital in order to overcome hurdles and achieve aspirations of Kuwaiti people. Abdulaziz urged voters to choose the right candidate and produce a parliament capable of shouldering responsibilities and facing challenges. Meanwhile, thirty two citizens, including three women, filed their candidacies for the parliamentary elections on Sunday – the seventh day of the registration period for candidates that will end on Wednesday. This increases the total number of candidates to 321 – 300 men and 21 women. Three male candidates registered in the First Constituency – Ibrahem Abdullah Al-Khamis, Ali Ahmed Dashti and Mubarak Shelaiq Al-Otaibi.

Registered
Two female candidates and one male candidate registered in the Second Constituency – Amal Hatem Al-Harbi, Fatima Husain Ghuloum and Fahd Abdulaziz Al-Masoud. Three male candidates registered in the Third Constituency – Ahmed Mahmoud Hussan, Jarrah Khalid Al-Fawzan and Ammar Muhammad Al-Azmi. Thirteen male candidates registered in the Fourth Constituency -- Anwar Erak Al- Dhufairi, Hammad Muhammad Al-Ajmi, Saad Hajras Al-Rashedi, Sultan Awadh Al- Daihani, Shuaib Al-Muwaizri, Abdulredha Sayeed Muhammad Al-Mousawi, Obaid Muhammad Al-Wasmi Al-Mutairi, Faraj Abdullah Al-Khudhari, Farz Muhammad Al-Daihani, Fahd Musaed Al-Hatlani, Meteb Ayed Al-Zaidi, Muhammad Fahd Al-Daihani and Muhammad Hayef Al-Mutairi. Ten candidates registered in the Fifth Constituency – nine men and one woman as follows: Ayoub Yousef Husain, Barrak Mubarak Al-Azmi, Husain Barrak Al-Dousari, Hammad Menahi Al-Dousari, Haidar Sadeq Hassan, Soud Nasser Al-Tami, Fawzi Saqer Al-Saqer, Mubarak Abdulmuhsen Al-Murri, Nasser Abdulmuhsen Al-Murri and Najat Saleh Al-Bahrani.

Meanwhile, former MP and Fourth Constituency candidate Muhammad Hayef Al-Mutairi said the national dialogue was a failure as it resulted in the release of the Abdally Cell convicts; while bloggers remained behind bars and in exile. He pointed out that some of the imprisoned bloggers are women who were sentenced to five to seven years in prison. He added such a dialogue could not be successful, because it was conducted by a prime minister trapped in grilling motions and a National Assembly speaker who was the subject of a statement signed by 40 MPs calling for his dismissal. He believes a proper national dialogue includes consultation with different political movements, blocs, public figures and youths.

Another candidate in the same constituency, former MP Shuaib Al-Muwaizri, unveiled his plan to support former Assembly Speaker Ahmed Saadoun in the next speaker election. He also praised the government’s announcement that it will not participate in voting on procedures related to parliamentary works. He intends to submit a bill on amending the National Assembly Law if he wins in the election. He asserted that Kuwaitis are the only people in the world who do not demand for something beyond their rights. Fifth Constituency candidate Najat Al-Bahrani revealed she decided to stand for the parliamentary election to serve as the women’s voice in the Assembly.

If she wins in the election, she will submit a proposal for the government to allocate residential buildings for Kuwaiti women at low rental fee. She will also submit bills on increasing housing loans and allowance granted to divorced women, as well as providing jobs to their children. Second Constituency candidate Fahd Al-Masoud said he will push for the implementation of Islamic law (Sharia) based on the Constitution, indicating the Constitution states that Sharia is the main resource of legislation By Saeed Mahmoud Saleh Arab Times Staff and Agencies