Kuwait sets new rules for ministerial candidates

Kuwaitis wishing to run in the upcoming elections will need to meet new conditions set in place by the Emir.

To date, the pre-existing conditions to run in elections was for the candidate to hold a Kuwaiti citizenship from birth – naturalised Kuwaiti citizens are not allowed to run – being at least 30 years old on the day of the elections, good Arabic comprehension skills and being on the list of those eligible to cast ballots.

The Emir added that candidates should also have no criminal records which show them insulting God, ant of Islam’s prophets, the monarchy. The decision comes after a number of members of parliament criticised the country’s ruling family.

Applications for would be candidates were being accepted from yesterday and the closing date for entries is 28 October. Elections are due to take place on 26 November.