This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-23469630
The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 4 | Version 5 |
|---|---|
| Kuwait election: Shia candidates suffer at polls | Kuwait election: Shia candidates suffer at polls |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| Kuwait's minority Shia MPs have lost more than half of their seats in the second parliamentary election in less than a year, official results show. | Kuwait's minority Shia MPs have lost more than half of their seats in the second parliamentary election in less than a year, official results show. |
| Shia candidates won eight seats in the 50-member parliament, compared with a record 17 in the ballot in December. | Shia candidates won eight seats in the 50-member parliament, compared with a record 17 in the ballot in December. |
| Liberal and tribal groups have emerged the main winners. Voter turnout was an estimated 52.5%, which was higher than expected despite an opposition boycott. | Liberal and tribal groups have emerged the main winners. Voter turnout was an estimated 52.5%, which was higher than expected despite an opposition boycott. |
| The previous parliament was dissolved in December over a procedural flaw. | The previous parliament was dissolved in December over a procedural flaw. |
| Kuwait has one of the most empowered parliaments in the Gulf region, but constant political tension has crippled its work. | Kuwait has one of the most empowered parliaments in the Gulf region, but constant political tension has crippled its work. |
| New rules | New rules |
| Observers say the election represents a blow to Shia MPs, who in December won their biggest tally to date. Shia form 30% of the country's 1.2 million population. | Observers say the election represents a blow to Shia MPs, who in December won their biggest tally to date. Shia form 30% of the country's 1.2 million population. |
| Liberal MPs, who were not represented in the previous parliament, have gained three seats, while tribal groups maintained their 24 seats, local media report. | |
| Sunni Muslims increased their presence from five to seven seats. | |
| Meanwhile, opposition groups ranging from liberals to Islamists and tribal leaders boycotted both this and the December election in protest at an electoral law decreed by Kuwait's emir last October. | Meanwhile, opposition groups ranging from liberals to Islamists and tribal leaders boycotted both this and the December election in protest at an electoral law decreed by Kuwait's emir last October. |
| The law, which sparked mass protests, allows each voter to choose just one candidate at the ballot box, down from four previously. | The law, which sparked mass protests, allows each voter to choose just one candidate at the ballot box, down from four previously. |
| Opponents said the new rules were designed to allow the ruling al-Sabah family to manipulate the election outcome, and that changes to the voting system should be agreed by parliament. | Opponents said the new rules were designed to allow the ruling al-Sabah family to manipulate the election outcome, and that changes to the voting system should be agreed by parliament. |
| However, some opposition candidates participated in Saturday's vote. | However, some opposition candidates participated in Saturday's vote. |
| Despite scorching temperatures, Saturday's turnout beat the record low 40% in December. Average turnout in Kuwaiti polls is reported to be around 65%. | Despite scorching temperatures, Saturday's turnout beat the record low 40% in December. Average turnout in Kuwaiti polls is reported to be around 65%. |
| Political parties are banned in Kuwait. Instead the tribal, religious and sectarian loyalties define the work of the parliament, which has lawmaking powers and can hold government ministers to account. | Political parties are banned in Kuwait. Instead the tribal, religious and sectarian loyalties define the work of the parliament, which has lawmaking powers and can hold government ministers to account. |
| However, the emir has the final say in matters of state. He also chooses the prime minister, who in turn picks a cabinet, with members of the the al-Sabah family occupying the top posts. | However, the emir has the final say in matters of state. He also chooses the prime minister, who in turn picks a cabinet, with members of the the al-Sabah family occupying the top posts. |