Kuwait Government and Politics

Following the 1962 Constitution, last amended in 1997, Kuwait is a unified state monarchy. The monarch, the emir, has extensive powers, but has increasingly had to take into account a critical opinion that requires democratization. The opposition is also clearly expressed through the National Assembly. The Emir is nominated by and among the male descendants of Sheikh Mubarak al-Sabah, who ruled 1896-1915 and whose family has held power in the country since 1756.

According to AllCityCodes.com, the government is exercised through a government appointed by and responsible to the emir. Until 2003, the successor was prime minister, when these positions were shared.

Legislative power has been formally added to the National Assembly, Majlis al-Umma. It has 50 members, elected for four years by men over 21 who have Kuwaiti citizenship, except for police or military personnel. As the Kuwaiti constitute less than half the population, the voters represent a fairly small group (10-15% of the population). Requirements to give women the right to vote, make it easier for foreigners to gain Kuwaiti citizenship and relax the strict naturalization rules (30 years of residence time required to get voting rights) have been strong in recent years. In 2005, it was decided to introduce women’s suffrage to the 2007 election. Because the emir has experienced much opposition from the assembly, he has dissolved it for periods. Political parties are not allowed.

Kuwait Country Flag

Reference: Kuwait Flag Meaning

Administratively

Administratively, Kuwait is divided into five governorates, each headed by a governor and a council, appointed by the emir. The governorates are further divided into districts corresponding to constituencies. Also see AbbreviationFinder for abbreviation of KW and its meanings of Kuwait.

Judiciary

The judiciary is characterized by Egyptian law, with Islamic family law. Besides a constitutional court (with five judges), the judicial system is built up on three levels. It is a court of first instance, divided into eight sections by case type, one appellate court and a Supreme Court, the Court of Cassation, with five judges. In addition, in each governorate there is a summary court that judges in minor cases.

Kuwait’s defense

Military duty was reintroduced in Kuwait in 2017, and it is 12 months for men. The total force figures for Kuwait’s armed forces are 17,500 active personnel, with a reserve of 23,700 personnel (2018, IISS). In addition, around 7100 semi-military forces (about 6600 National Guard, and 500 in the Coast Guard) come.

In 2018, the United States had a military force in the country of 14,000 personnel, and further fighter aircraft and combat drones. In addition, Canada, Denmark, Italy, Singapore and the United Kingdom had personnel, transport aircraft and combat drones in Kuwait in connection with Operation Inherent Resolve.

Army

The army has a workforce of 13,000 active personnel. Heavy equipment includes 293 tanks (218 M1A2 Abrams, and 75 M-84), 492 storm tanks and 260 armored personnel vehicles. In addition, the Army has 106 self-propelled artillery, heavy and light artillery, 74 armored fighters, short-range air defense missiles, and light air defense artillery.

Air Force

The Air Force has a personnel force of 2,500 active personnel. The material includes 39 fighter aircraft of type F/A-18 Hornet, three tanker, five transport, 27 trainers (including 11 Hawk which can also be used as light combat aircraft), and 42 helicopters, 16 of combat helicopters central Apache.

The air defense command is equipped with long and short range air defense missiles.

The Navy

The Navy has a workforce of around 2,000 active personnel, including 500 in the Coast Guard. The Navy’s fleet includes 20 patrol vessels, six landings, and one auxiliary vessel. The Coast Guard has 32 patrol vessels, four landings and one auxiliary.

Kuwait Head of Government

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