Kuwait: Low voter-turnout feared in elections, say sources |
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KUWAIT CITY : There are fears that voters may not turn out in large numbers to cast their votes and elect representatives for the next National Assembly on Saturday, say reliable sources. These fears are based on speculations at diwaniyas of prominent politicians that the next National Assembly may not last long, in addition to the disadvantages of five constituencies system. The same sources asserted that the large number of candidates, which reached 275, per se, does not necessarily reflect the voters desire to participate in the voting process. Voters have a feeling that the former parliamentarians were too occupied with personal interests and vendettas. They also have no trust in the new assembly's ability to solve earlier problems, especially since some candidates have indicated their intention to raise issues that have been the 'bone of contention' between the government and the previous Parliament, added sources.
Voters may also abstain from voting on May 17 due to the five constituencies system because they realize that large numbers of areas in a constituency will hinder the ability of candidates to connect with their electorates. Sources noted that it is almost impossible for the candidate to communicate with thousands of voters in each constituency. This, sources added, will compel authorities to look for other alternatives such as approving the one constituency system or the declaration of political parties. Voters are also worried that the inability of the Ministry of Interior to prevent the primary elections will result in the victory of candidates of tribal groups, thus reducing the chances of independent candidates to win seats in the elections. They also feel the vote-buying phenomenon will affect the chances of competent candidates.
Meanwhile, candidates wound up their electoral campaigns Friday with some apologizing for not being able to get in touch with all voters due to the big size of their constituency. "The Medical Emergencies Department at the Ministry of Health is fully geared to provide medical services to voters, especially the elderly, disabled and sick voters on the polling day," Awan daily quoted Director of the department Dr Mohammed Al-Sharhan as saying. The ministry has granted 41 fully-equipped mobile clinics to electoral committees and every health zone will cover electoral committees of its zone, he said, adding "the ministry hospitals will be prepared to receive emergencies round the clock." Al-Sharhan added that 250 paramedics and 41 ambulances will be on election duty and "there will be a central room to deal with any emergency that needs immediate intervention."
By Raed Yousef, Ayed Al-Enezi and Hadi Al-Ajmi
© Arab Times 2008
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