Kuwait’s Amir dissolves National Assembly, suspends constitution articles

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al Sabah issued an Amiri order on Friday from Seif Palace, dissolving the National Assembly and suspending certain articles of the Constitution for a period not exceeding four years.

The Amir dissolved the National Assembly under Article One as required for the country’s best interests. Article Two states that Articles 51, 56 (paragraphs two and three), 71 (paragraph two), 79, 107, 174, and 181 of the Constitution shall be suspended for a period not exceeding four years. During this time, democratic practices in the country will be studied, and the findings will be presented for appropriate action.

Under Article Three, the Amir and the Council of Ministers will assume the powers granted to the National Assembly. Additionally, under Article Four, laws will be issued by decree laws, and under Article Five, the Prime Minister and the ministers must implement this order, effective from the date of its issuance and publication in the Official Gazette.

The Amiri order stated a princely decree based on the country’s best interests, which included the following directives: Under Article One, the dissolution of the National Assembly and Under Article Two, the suspension of Articles 51, 56 (paragraphs two and three), 71 (paragraph two), 79, 107, 174, and 181 of the Constitution for a period not exceeding four years. During this time, the democratic practices in the country will be studied, and the findings will be presented for appropriate action.

Under Article Three, the Amir and the Council of Ministers shall assume the powers granted to the National Assembly. Under Article Four, laws will be issued by decree. Under Article Five, the Prime Minister and the ministers, each within their jurisdiction, must implement this order, which will come into effect from the date of its issuance and publication in the Official Gazette.