Kuwait emir dissolves parliament

By Yasser Faisal

KUWAIT CITY (AA) - The emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, dissolved the parliament Sunday, paving the way for holding early election.

In a decree published by the official KUNA news agency, the emir cited “regional developments” and “security challenges” for dissolving the 50-member chamber.

The decree says “given the circumstances in the region ... and the security challenges and their different impacts and risks, that require returning to the people - the origin of authority - to choose their representatives to express their directions, ambitions and contribute to facing these challenges."

The announcement came shortly after the Kuwaiti cabinet decided to submit a bill to the emir for dissolving the legislature.

On Saturday, parliament speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim called for holding early election in the first move of its kind in the history of the Gulf country.

In a TV interview, Al-Ghanim cited “internal and external challenges” for his call for holding snap polls.

“We are surrounded by internal and external challenges in the upcoming phase, which require a new government and returning to the bailout boxes,” he said.

According to the Kuwaiti constitution, election should be held within two months after the parliament is dissolved.

The last parliamentary election was held in Kuwait in 2013.