Kuwait is voting for a new parliament. As it's still early for the exit polls to come out it is expected that the Kuwait 2009 parliamentary results will put some women in the 50 seat parliament for the first time. This is the third parliament that Kuwait is voting for in the past three years.
Political analysts are hoping for two main results of this elections in Kuwait. First, observers hope that this 2009 election will put an end to the standoff between the ruling family and parliament. Second, they hope that the results will put some women in the parliament for the first time, thus bringing a real change in Kuwaiti society.
In Kuwait women were given the right to participate in the elections and vote in 2005. This year 19 women are competing to get mandates in the 50 seat parliament. So far they have not succeeded in the past 3 elections, but things could change this time.
One of the candidates in the Kuwaiti elections is Ms. Al Awadhi who has become a political celebrity in this small Middle Eastern oil rich country. Early polls are showing she has a good chance of becoming the first female to be elected to Kuwait's 50-seat parliament. She has many supporters. According to WSJ Ms. Al Awadhi "is seen by supporters as a calming force, willing to work with the ruling family, but also to pursue ways to revitalize Kuwait's economy and education system. Two local, independent polls show Ms. Al Awadhi leading in her district, ahead of her conservative rivals."
Kuwait is a staunch supporter of U.S. military in the Persian Gulf and one of the largest oil producer and exporter in the world. As the crude oil exports are expected to fall from the OPEC countries by 30000 barrels it may hurt the economy of Kuwait, making this election even more important to push for reforms.
The first results of Kuwait 2009 general elections are expected early on Sunday. In the past the parliaments in Kuwait have been dominated by conservatives who have blocked many government projects, but have also accused the government in corruption. Will it change this time, remains to be seen when the early results of the election are reported from Kuwait.
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