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Politics & Government Guide in Kuwait

Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions

Kuwait operates as a constitutional monarchy where the Emir holds dominant executive power, particularly after the 2024 suspension of the National Assembly and key constitutional articles for up to four years. This has centralized authority in the Emir and Council of Ministers, aiming to overcome legislative gridlock and advance reforms under the New Kuwait 2035 vision. Political stability remains challenged by historical executive-legislative tensions, with recent Cabinet decisions in 2025 promoting governance and economic diversification.

Political Stability

Poor

Corruption Index

Below Average

Democracy Index

Below Average

Government Type

Constitutional Monarchy

Legal System

Mixed legal system of Islamic law and civil law

Head of State

Emir Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah(since 2024)

Head of Government

Prime Minister Ahmad Abdullah Al-Sabah(Al Sabah family)since 2024

Political Indicators

Political Stability
0.12Rank #140

Scale: 0-1

Low

World Bank (2024)

Corruption Index
46Rank #71

Scale: 0-100

Transparency International (2024)

Press Freedom
37.8Rank #141

Scale: 0-100

Difficult

Reporters Without Borders (2024)

Democracy Index
2.92Rank #118

Scale: 0-10

Authoritarian

Economist Intelligence Unit (2024)

Legislature

Type:unicameral
Upper House:National Assembly (50 seats)

Voting Rights

Kuwaiti citizens aged 21 and older can vote in National Assembly elections. Naturalized citizens require 20 years of residency. Women gained suffrage in 2005.

Recent Developments

  • Emir dissolved National Assembly and suspended constitutional provisions on May 10, 2024, transferring full legislative authority to the Emir and Cabinet for up to four years
  • Cabinet approved over 100 decisions in 2025 driving reforms in governance, development, and citizenship policies
  • Ongoing constitutional revision process initiated in 2024 amid tensions between executive and legislative branches
  • Advancement of New Kuwait 2035 vision focusing on economic diversification and government restructuring
Voting Age21
SuffrageUniversal for citizens
Constitution1962
Governorates6