An overview of the political system of Kuwait
The State of Kuwait is a constitutional emirate with a parliamentary system of government. Kuwait gained independence from the UK on June 19, 1961. Its constitution, which combines aspects of both presidential and parliamentary systems of government, was approved and put into effect in 1962.
Executive Branch:
The chief of state is the Emir Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah (since 2006), and the Crown Prince is Nawafal-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah.
The head of government is the Prime Minister, Nasir Muhammad al-Ahmad al-Sabah (since 2007). The First Deputy Prime Minister is Jabir Mubarak al-Hamad al-Sabah, and the Deputy Prime Ministers are Muhammad al-Sabah al-Salim al-Sabah and Faysal al-Hajji.
There is a Cabinet/Council of Ministers that is appointed by the Prime Minister and approved by the Emir. The Executive Branch of government does not have elections, as the emir is a hereditary position and he appoints the Prime Minister and deputies.
Legislative Branch:
Kuwait’s National Assembly has 50 seats, with the members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms. The last elections were held in 2006, and the next will be held in 2010.
Judicial Branch:
Kuwait has a civil law system, with Sharia law significantly used for personal matters. The judiciary is independent. In each of the country’s six governorates there is a summary court. There is also a court of appeals, a Cassation Court, and a Constitutional Court.
Other:
There are a number of political groups that act as de facto parties and several legislative voting blocs in the National Assembly (i.e., tribal groups, merchants, Shi’ite activists, secular liberals, etc.), but formation of political parties is in practice illegal.
Adult males and females (since 2005) aged 21+ are allowed to vote; naturalized citizens can vote only after they have been citizens for at least 20 years. Males in the military or who are members of the police are not allowed to vote.
