Indian political analysts are showing keen interest in the forthcoming parliamentary elections in Kuwait, scheduled for Feb 2

, and they are of the opinion that the polls would cement the tenets of democracy and constitution in the Gulf nation. Participation of women has fascinated the Indians even more, as women leaders assume most of the top positions in the world’s oldest democracy with a lady President, lady Parliament Speaker, and Leader of Opposition, in addition to a lady at the helm of the ruling United Progressive Alliance, Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

In remarks, a wide selection of academicians, journalists and government officials welcomed the upholding of democratic traditions by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in the oil-producing nation. Director of Centre of West Asian Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi Prof. A.K. Pasha said that winds of change are sweeping across the Arab World, and toppled many long established regimes recently. “Kuwait could not remain immune to this widespread democratic urge, which, in a way, led to fierce competition among various political groups.

Given his wisdom and long years of experience, the Kuwaiti Amir upheld the urge of the people and political representatives and called for fresh polls to the 50-member National Assembly,” said Pasha. According to him, these polls represent a peaceful new beginning, compared to the violence and disturbances witnessed in many Arab countries in the past few months.

“This would enable people to debate the key issues and give a new direction to their emerging aspirations and expectations. It will also give a clear signal to Kuwait, its neighbors, and the world in general, that its democracy is mature,” added the academician.

On the free participation of women in Kuwait’s polls, he said, “The elections will provide a platform for the Kuwaiti women to rise to the occasion, and put up well-qualified and experienced candidates. So far, women’s participation has been meager in the Kuwaiti parliament, but these polls should balance the political equation in Kuwaiti National Assembly, which is heavily tilted in favor of men.”

The Kuwaiti Amir pushed hard to give women political rights, and is anxious to see a more befitting presence and role for women in the new National Assembly. This would send a strong message to Kuwait’s neighbors in the GCC, he argued.

A veteran Indian journalist who keeps a close eye on developments in West Asia,  Satish Jacob, said that the forthcoming Kuwait polls are yet another step in the direction of solidifying the roots of democracy in a country located in an area where nations are ruled by one-family dictators.

“We, in India, have a major role of women and would appreciate to see a greater role of women in Kuwait too, as both are democratic countries. Like any democracy, Kuwait should also encourage role of women in politics.”

He further stated that the ensuing Kuwait polls are the result of its people’s urge for greater power-sharing. “All these years, one-family rule in most Arab countries has led to people striving for power-sharing. May these polls prove a milestone for a greater space for people’s voice,” he added.

An effort was also made to elicit views of the Arab diplomats posted in India. Ahmed Salem Al-Wahishi, the Chief Representative of the League of Arab States said, “Holding of polls in Kuwait is a very important event, not only for the Kuwaitis but the Gulf region.  It’s another democratic practice by Kuwait according to its written Constitution which is based on the rich democratic parliamentarian life of the oldest democracy in the Arab peninsula.  The call for polls by His Highness the Amir of Kuwait once more proves his wisdom.” “Rallying of the people of Kuwait around His Highness the Amir and the preparedness of these polls is highly appreciated by the people of Kuwait and the Islamic countries the world over.” —KUNA