KUWAIT CITY, March 27: While the Ministry of Information announced the withdrawal of several licenses and preventing their owners from covering the election at candidates’ headquarters or polling stations due to violating the regulations in this regard, a reliable source has confirmed the issuance of strict instructions to monitor and audit all electoral polls. The source stated that teams from the ministry are monitoring all electoral polls and making surprise field visits to licensed media centers and outlets to verify the samples, slides and electronic systems included in opinion polls related to electoral matters. The source stated that the ministry is keen on auditing opinion poll programs by taking records and random samples to ensure compliance with the established regulations. He explained this will contribute to enhancing the credibility, transparency and durability of these polls among the public. On the other hand, Assistant Undersecretary for Press, Publishing and Publications at the ministry Lafi Al-Subaie stressed that the ministry is keen on providing all services and facilities to media professionals to cover the 2024 National Assembly Election since the start of the candidate registration process. Al-Subaie said the ministry allowed registration for media professionals who wish to cover the election through the website to provide them with the necessary licenses by the rules and regulations.

Commitment
He clarified that most of those who were granted licenses proved their commitment to the instructions and guidelines; which reflects the extent of their professionalism and responsibility. He added a small number of media license holders violated the licensing conditions during the candidate registration period despite their clarity and simplicity, which led to the withdrawal of their licenses and prevented them from covering the election — whether at candidates’ headquarters or polling stations. He called on all media outlets to adhere to professionalism in covering the election so that this democratic entitlement is conveyed in the best possible way in a way that reflects the true image of the ancient Kuwaiti media. Meanwhile, the Public Prosecution has requested for rejection of the appeals filed by former MPs and candidates for the upcoming parliamentary election at the Court of Cassation.

Former MPs and candidates for the 2024 parliamentary election Ahmed Mutei Al-Azmi, Marzouq Al-Hebeini, Marzouq Al- Khalifa and Jaber Al-Mehailbi appealed the ruling of the Court of Appeals; which upheld the decision of the Ministry of Interior to disqualify them. The Court of Cassation will rule on these appeals on Sunday. On the other hand, Fourth Constituency candidate Anwar Al-Fikr said in his electoral campaign that although the appointment of the Crown Prince is the absolute right of HH the Amir; the Parliament has the right to approve such an appointment. Former MP and Second Constituency candidate Khalid Ayed Al-Anzi has vowed to submit a bill on amending the Nationality Law. He said the amendment shall stipulate that whoever is born to a Kuwaiti father is considered a Kuwaiti citizen. He added the citizens should not be classified according to different articles of the law. Moreover, Second Constituency candidate Bader Ghareed Al-Bazzali has withdrawn his candidacy in favor of his colleague and former MP Hamed Mehri Al-Bazzali. Badr Ghareed disclosed that his aim is to enhance the chances for Bani Ghanim Tribe to be represented in the National Assembly.

By Saaed Mahmoud Saleh and Muhammad Al-Musleh
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff and Agencies