Excessive ‘grillings’ significant factor in dissolution move
KUWAIT CITY, May 11: The suspension of some articles of the Constitution as per the Amiri Decree is related to legislation and oversight undertaken by the National Assembly; while articles relating to rights, duties, freedoms, and the executive and judicial powers shall continue, says Law Professor at Kuwait University and constitutional expert Dr. Muhammad Al-Faili.
He pointed out that the Amiri order linked the suspension to a review period through a technical committee that will present ideas only, as the committee is not the one concerned with the amendment whose mechanism was regulated by the Constitution. He pointed out that a general referendum on the amendment may be held or presented to Parliament at the end of the review period.
He stressed that the fears of political forces in the past hindered amending the Constitution, such as the fear of entering a maze that might affect freedoms despite the fact that the Constitution itself provides for review and amendment.
He explained the suspension of some articles of the Constitution is not the first, as it happened twice -- in the years 1976 and 1985. “We hope this will be the third and permanent,” he asserted.
He added this happened due to accumulations and repercussions, indicating that the excessive handling of the interpellation was perhaps the most significant factor, especially after 10 members announced their intention to grill one of the ministers before his appointment, which is considered an infringement on the Constitution.
He stated that, as a citizen, he sees some are tired of the constitutional game, which has become absurd for some parliamentarians, and that the players were deliberately doing this, perhaps to make people disbelieve in democracy. “This is just a hypothesis, but in any case, it left a negative impact on some,” he clarified.
He affirmed that the democratic process is a safety valve for everyone in Kuwait, and there is faith and conviction that popular participation is in the conscience and what will happen is a reconsideration of the political organization.