National Assembly (Kuwait) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids National Assembly of Kuwaitمجلس الأمة الكويتي Majlis al-ʾUmma al-Kuwaytiyy |
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Logo used to represent the National Assembly
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| Type | |
| Type | |
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Term limits
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None |
| Leadership | |
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Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
Since 16 December 2023 |
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| Structure | |
| Seats | 50 elected members Up to 16 appointed members |
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Length of term
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Four years (currently suspended) |
| Elections | |
| Single non-transferable vote | |
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Last election
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April 4, 2024 |
| Meeting place | |
| Kuwait National Assembly Building, Kuwait City, Kuwait 29°22′13″N 47°57′50″E / 29.37028°N 47.96389°E |
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The National Assembly (which in Arabic is called Arabic: مجلس الأمة, Majlis al-ʾUmma) is the main law-making body, or legislature, of Kuwait. It is a single-chamber parliament, meaning it has only one group of members who make decisions. The National Assembly meets in Kuwait City, the capital of Kuwait.
This important group is made up of 50 members who are chosen by the people in elections. It also includes up to 16 government ministers who are appointed by the Emir. These ministers are part of the Assembly because of their government roles.
Sometimes, the Emir of Kuwait has decided to suspend the Assembly. This has happened many times, for example, 13 times between 2006 and 2024. Since May 10, 2024, the Assembly has been suspended for four years. This suspension is to allow time to review how the government works, especially because of difficulties in working together and making decisions for the country.
Contents
Understanding Kuwait's National Assembly
What is the National Assembly?
The National Assembly is Kuwait's parliament, first officially established in 1963. Its job is to create and approve laws for the country. Before this, there was an earlier assembly in 1938, but it was dissolved in 1939.
How the Assembly Works
The Assembly usually has 65 members. Fifty of these are elected by the people to serve for four years. The other 15 members are government ministers, chosen directly by the Emir. These ministers also sit in the parliament.
Members and Their Roles
The Kuwaiti Constitution says that the government cabinet can have up to 16 ministers. These ministers have almost the same rights as the elected members. However, they do not join the smaller working groups called committees. Also, they cannot vote if there is a special vote to show a lack of confidence in a minister.
When the Assembly is Suspended
The Emir can dissolve, or close down, the National Assembly by issuing a special order. This order must explain why the Assembly is being dissolved. If this happens, new elections must be held within two months. The Assembly cannot be dissolved again for the exact same reasons.
Compared to parliaments in other countries in the Gulf region, Kuwait's National Assembly has a lot more official and unofficial power. It was also suspended for periods in the past, from 1976 to 1981 and again from 1986 to 1991.
Women in the Assembly
Kuwaiti women gained the right to vote in 2005. This was a big step! In the 2009 election, women won seats in the National Assembly for the first time. Four women were elected: Aseel al-Awadhi, Rola Dashti, Massouma al-Mubarak, and Salwa al-Jassar.
The Assembly Building
The building where the parliament meets is very special. It was designed by a famous Danish architect named Jørn Utzon. He also designed the Sydney Opera House in Australia!
Different Groups in the Assembly
In Kuwait, official political parties are not allowed. However, there are different groups, or "factions," that work together based on similar ideas. These include:
- The liberal bloc: Members who support ideas like individual freedoms and modern changes.
- The Shaabi (populist) bloc: This group brings together different people, including those with Sunni and Shia beliefs, liberals, and nationalists. They often focus on issues important to everyday people and the middle class. The Popular Action Bloc is a key part of this group.
- The Islamist bloc: This group consists of members who base their political ideas on Islamic principles.
The elections held in 2024 saw more people voting, showing a strong interest in the country's future.
See also
In Spanish: Asamblea Nacional de Kuwait para niños
- Politics of Kuwait
- Government of Kuwait
- Cabinet of Kuwait
- Elections in Kuwait
- List of speakers of Kuwait National Assembly
- Kuwait National Assembly No-Confidence Votes
- List of political parties in Kuwait
