Kuwaiti royal gives up status to run in elections

A member of Kuwait’s royal family announced yesterday that he will give up his “special privileges” as a member of the royal family and run as a candidate in next month’s parliamentary election.

Though the Kuwaiti constitution allows for members of the royal family to run for election, Sheikh Malek Al-Humoud Al-Sabah gave up his royal status in a show of solidarity with the Kuwaiti people.

“The previous assembly let down the Kuwaiti people and I am contesting the polls to defend the rights of the people,” he said.

The previous government had been repeatedly criticised for failing to defend the interests of citizens.

Very few Kuwaiti royals have stood in the country’s elections and all have pulled out before the actual day.

Kuwait is holding parliamentary elections on 26 November after Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al Sabah dissolved parliament on Saturday.