Kuwait govt calls for dissolution of parliament

Kuwait, October 3, 2012

Kuwait's cabinet has asked the country's ruler to consider dissolving parliament, state news agency KUNA said on Wednesday, in a widely-expected bid to clear the way for new elections and end months of political deadlock.

The major oil producer has been unable to hold a parliamentary session for several months after its top court effectively dissolved the opposition-dominated parliament, which was elected in February, basing its decision on a technicality.

The ruling in June reinstated the previous assembly, which contained more government supporters, but the body has not been able to convene due to a boycott by lawmakers.

The deadlock has frozen all parliamentary debate - the assembly was not even able to pass a budget for the current financial year.

Political turmoil has held up a KD30 billion ($108 billion) economic development plan. This year's phase of the plan was rejected by opposition deputies in April.

The plan, spread over four years until 2014, is supposed to provide for a series of huge infrastructure projects including a new airport terminal, new oil refinery and hospitals and was aimed at diversifying the economy and attracting foreign investment. – Reuters

Tags: Kuwait | Parliament | elections |