Politics & Government Guide
Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions in Kuwait
Kuwait is a constitutional emirate where the Emir holds significant executive power and recently suspended parliament in May 2024 amid ongoing political tensions. The unicameral National Assembly was dissolved following the April 2024 elections, leading to a concentration of authority in the executive branch. Governance challenges persist due to historical conflicts between the ruling family and elected representatives.
Democracy Index
Below Average
Government Type
Constitutional Emirate
Legal System
Mixed legal system of Islamic law and civil law
Head of State
Emir Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Sabah(since 2023)
Head of Government
Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah al-Ahmad al-Sabah(Independent)since 2024
Political Indicators
Democracy Index
Scale: 0-10
Hybrid Regime
Economist Intelligence Unit (2024)
Legislature
Major Political Parties
Islamist
Liberal
Voting Rights
Kuwaiti citizens aged 21 and over can vote in National Assembly elections. Women gained suffrage in 2005.
Recent Developments
- Snap general election held on April 4, 2024, to elect 50 members of the National Assembly
- Emir dissolved parliament and suspended constitutional articles on May 10, 2024, for up to four years
- Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah al-Khalid appointed in June 2024 without parliamentary approval
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