‘Kuwaitis want to see new people who can fulfill promises to nation’
“IT is beautiful and wonderful that this move was made by the Ministry of Interior announcing its initiation of legal measures against anyone who harms national unity, regardless of the media used, even if it is through social media. It is important today to emphasize that everyone is equal under the law, and everyone is also concerned with building Kuwait,” columnist Fakhri Hashem Al-Sayyid Rajab wrote for
Al-Qabas daily. “Under the frank and clear slogan that all components of Kuwaiti society are concerned with the elections, because Kuwait is the foundation for all its people, regardless of their tribal or sectarian affiliation, and today we can affirm that we are moving towards a Kuwait of familiarity and love among all and this is the first and correct step towards nation building, and we hope that this determination will get top priority.
“Even after the elections, when it is no secret to anyone that weak souls must exist at all times and in any place, but when the highest authority insists on working hard and correcting all previous mistakes, then it is necessary to obtain a correct result; except what is correct, and the dissolution of the previous councils more than once is a clear indication of the imbalance that has prevailed during the past elections.
“Difference is a logical and healthy topic also when it is in points of view, but this difference must remain within a clear goal and line that is paramount to the interest of Kuwait, so it does not spoil any form of interaction between members of one parliament.
“Therefore, we all hope today that everyone who is qualified will get elected to the parliament. And everyone who has in his heart the interest of Kuwait will get elected, and everyone who tempts himself to buy votes and gain access for the purpose of personal gain should be confronted before he enters the doors of parliament, and this is definitely a situation that exists today, but remember that whoever buys your vote today for money will sell you tomorrow for free.
“Be vigilant and realize your responsibility and put your trust in His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, may God protect and preserve among us.
“We are facing a different stage today. Kuwait is required to keep pace with everything that is happening in the world, so there must be change and there must be advancement and renewal.
“Many slogans were launched by the candidates, all of which promise that the next election will be different, and will carry a different vision than the previous one, although the candidates can only rely on beautiful and encouraging phrases, such as the commitment to serving the people, and preserving all national symbols, the interests and gains of the people, and the aspirations of the citizens, which is undoubtedly a right, but the truth today, and what concerns us is that everyone who does not remain faithful to the promises he/she made must be held accountable later, and everyone who tries to make the council a window for gain, and to obstruct any process that contributes to the development of Kuwait, will be held accountable.
“People today need something new, and they want to see that those who are reached the parliament seat on their vote keeping their promises they made to the electorate and implement these promises seriously.
“All best wishes for success to whoever works from his heart for the benefit of Kuwait and the people of beloved Kuwait. God grant us success.”
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“Any discourse on national unity must transcend division. Nations, encompassing all their peoples, affiliations, sects, and tribes, are not built on such distinctions alone. Rather, they are forged through unity under the banner of homeland and a cohesive society that eschews discrimination in all its forms,” columnist Youssef Al-Shehab wrote for Al-Qabas daily.
“Any attempt to undermine this unity, regardless of its justification, is an assault on the very principles that bind society together. Those who engage in such divisive actions are agents of discord and must be recognized as such.
“The Kuwaiti society, with its diverse sects, tribes, professions, and traditions, has long been united in its dedication to the nation above all else. Over the decades, this unity has been the cornerstone of Kuwaiti identity, fostering a collective sense of purpose and destiny. This inter-connectedness has been exemplified throughout the nation’s history, demonstrating a remarkable solidarity in pursuit of common goals.
“However, recent efforts to uncover instances of fraudulent citizenship acquisition have revealed elements seeking to sow discord and division within society.
“These divisive actions, aimed at undermining the unity and cohesion that have long defined Kuwaiti society, threaten to unravel the very fabric of our nation. Yet, Kuwait has historically been a beacon of brotherhood and solidarity, transcending sectarian, tribal, or any other affiliations.
“In the face of such challenges, it is imperative that Kuwaiti society remains steadfast in its commitment to unity and cohesion. By rejecting divisive rhetoric and standing together as one, we can preserve the legacy of our forebears and ensure a future built on strength, solidarity, and shared destiny.
“The unity of our people is a shield that guards against the seeds of discord and division sown by those who harbor ill intentions for our society. We must remain vigilant against such attempts to disrupt our harmony, for they pose a threat to the very fabric of our community.
“Kuwait, with its diverse social fabric, is not defined by any particular sect or tribe but rather by a collective spirit akin to that of a family. When one member suffers, the rest are compelled to respond with empathy and solidarity.
“Efforts by the government to uncover cases of fraudulent or dual nationality are not acts of sedition, as some misguided individuals may suggest. Rather, they are necessary measures to safeguard our national identity from those who seek to undermine it through deceit. Any deviation from this principle only serves the dark intentions of those who harbor resentment towards Kuwait and its true identity.
“We call upon those entrusted with the governance of our nation to respond firmly and decisively to any attempts to sow discord or division. Kuwait is a nation that embraces all who bear its true national identity, not those who seek to exploit it through forgery or deceit. We must prioritize the preservation of our unity and pride as a people above all else, rejecting any efforts to stoke hatred or division among us.
“To those who seek to incite sedition, we remind you to fear God and consider the consequences of your actions. Reflect on the devastation wrought by division in other societies and reconsider your motives. Teach your children to love Kuwait above all else, transcending tribal, sectarian, or personal interests.
“As the late Iraqi poet Ma’arouf AlRusafi cautioned, do not be deceived by outward displays of patriotism, for true intentions may lie hidden. Similarly, candidates vying for support in elections must exercise wisdom and restraint, avoiding theatrics that serve only to distract from their message. False bravado is akin to treading on a path littered with pitfalls.
“Let us heed the wisdom of our elders and strive for unity and harmony in all our endeavors. With a clear mind and steadfast resolve, may we continue to uphold the principles that have guided us through generations. May Kuwait prosper and endure for generations to come.”
“Cold elections... It seems that we are living in the ‘cold elections’ phase. It is qualitatively different from most of the elections we have witnessed in the past, even though this election is preceded by important events, such as the resignation of the Council of Ministers, dissolution of the National Assembly, and the emergence of hot issues and theses, including the contents of the Supreme Speech in the oath-taking session. These are very important issues, but indifference and reluctance seem to rule the nation,” columnist M. Adel Al-Jarallah AlKharafi wrote for Al-Seyassah daily. “Perhaps, this is because the election will be held during the holy month, which comes with psychological calm and reverence. However, whatever the reason, the truth is that we are in a different election climate, characterized by coldness and stagnation.
“All I fear is that the current situation resulted from psychological and social shock due to the successive dissolution of national assemblies, succession of councils of ministers within short periods and political instability. If these are the reasons, then we have entered the worst stage.
“Reasonable people have always warned that this would happen as a result of parliamentary and governmental practices that were not up to the challenges. Parliaments and the councils of ministers were busy with issues and conflicts that did not fall within our national priorities. Each of them sang: ‘Ala Laila, - his way’. Both authorities should have been aware of the dangers of such developments. The upcoming parliamentary election is a national opportunity that we should not waste, just as we wasted many opportunities, which were lost and we continued to cry over ‘spilled milk’.
“For us to stop crying and grumbling, we must all seize the opportunities and make our forums and offices full of piety in this holy month. They should be places for exchanging opinions, discussing our issues, and correcting the course of our affairs.
“We should not leave our national arena to be monopolized by the candidate. The Kuwaiti voter should fill it with his opinion, concerns, requirements and priorities. In fact, I do not blame those who despair or are fed up with negative practices, whether governmental or parliamentary, and so on, but I am trying to draw attention to the fact that democratic practice and popular participation are our national choices, which we must adhere to and work for, regardless of all the mistakes that have marred democratic practice. No one else will fix and correct the path, which is the responsibility of all of us. We must shoulder this responsibility with honesty and sincerity for a country that we love and care for.
“Reluctance and indifference will make matters worse, and the worst thing is for democracy to be monopolized in the arena with its own agendas and practices that we do not desire, and priorities other than our own. I know that we have witnessed frustrating political situations and practices, but they should not hinder our will to build and reform. If frustration and reluctance prevail, the nation is the first loser. Therefore, let us make the election hot with our ideas, concerns and priorities. Let our vote be our first step toward correcting our national path.”