Kuwait revokes election ban for 13 candidates

After 47 candidates were banned from partaking in the Kuwaiti elections earlier this week; the Administrative Court in Kuwait has decided to waver the ban of 13 of the candidates.

Of the 47 candidates who were banned from running, 31 were excluded from the race as a result of previous court convictions and criminal records. The rest were not allowed to take part in the elections because they did not complete the paper work that allows them to qualify for the race.

Abdul Hamid Dashti,  one of the most prominent MPs who were excluded due to him making inflammatory comments against the Kuwaiti monarchy and in support of Iran, has also been allowed to run.

In July, Dashti called for civilians to participate in the “Syrian jihad” by fighting with the Syrian army and Shia Hezbollah forces.

There have been multiple charges against him. In total, Dashti has been convicted to 31 years in prison.

The Kuwaiti parliamentary elections will take place on 26 November. Elections are being held after the Kuwaiti Emir dissolved parliament for the sixth time since 2006.