Assembly panel ‘approves’ one-vote degree of urgency

Court to look into appeals

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 24: The parliamentary Interior and Defense Affairs Committee approved on Monday the one-vote decree of urgency, announced committee rapporteur MPAbdullah Al-Tamimi.

The committee’s report in that regard will be on the agenda of Tuesday’s session for debate. The session will also include the elections of the parliament’s temporary committees.

On his part, MP Khaled Al-Shulaimi said that lawmakers in general accept and agree on the one-vote decree but differ in opinion on the decree forming the National Elections Commission.

He noted that lawmakers are leaning towards the cancellation of the decree and replace it with alternatives, adding that he will submit a proposal on the formation of a public body for parliament and municipal elections.

Meanwhile, the Health and Social Affairs Committee approved the decree of urgency amending the Sports Law referred its report to the National Assembly for discussion, announced committee chairman MP Salah Al-Ateeqi.

On another note, the Economic and Financial Affairs Committee reviewed on Monday a number of draft bills pending approval, announced rapporteur MP Safa’ Al-Hashim on Monday. The committee discussed with the government representatives the new Companies Law and both authorities were in agreement on key issues, Al-Hashim added. The committee with finalize its report in that regard in two weeks.

Moreover, MP Masouma Al-Mubarak said that the Housing Law continues to have shortcomings pertaining to the housing rights of women. She added that she submitted proposed amendments to the law and requested a special session in that regard.

In other developments, the Constitutional Court announced it will look into appeals against the one-vote decree from Jan 13 - Jan 22.

The one-vote decree, issued in October, was met with strong opposition from the Islamist-dominated Majority Bloc as well as major tribes and democratic alliances, who then decided to boycott the Dec 1 elections. They believe the decree is in violation of the Constitution and the “people’s sovereignty” and was issued to secure a pro-government majority parliament. Oppositionist continue to demand that the cancellation of the decree and new elections using the four-vote system.

Meanwhile, around 20 people gathered at Al-Erada Square to protest against the ‘one-man, one-vote’ elections.