Dr Yousif Al-Awadhi

KUWAIT: Candidate Fuhaid Al-Ajmi yesterday claimed he had rejected an offer of half a million dinars to withdraw from the by-elections in the third constituency. He called for changing all Cabinet members except for the minister of awqaf, because he studied with him in Cairo and knows him well.

On the eighth day of filing nominations for the by-elections, the total number of candidates reached 42 including one female candidate, said the elections department manager Lt Col Salah Al-Shatti, noting that candidates would be refunded their KD 50 deposit after the elections if they get at least 10 percent of the votes, otherwise the sum would be sent to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor.

Health services

Speaking after filing his application, candidate Dr Yousif Al-Awadhi stressed that health services were excellent in Kuwait with minor exceptions of some medical errors. "Being a doctor myself and being in such a small country, news about mishaps travels faster than they would in larger countries," he said, pointing out that medical errors happen worldwide and he was very proud of Kuwaiti doctors.

Candidate Fahd Al-Shuraian said that he served as a public servant for 35 years and that his electoral program would mainly focus on the economy. Candidate Abdul Wahab Al-Ameer said that he would mainly focus on national unity and urged everyone to compete in showing their love for Kuwait, especially at this very critical turning point in its history in view of the tense regional and international situations. Candidate Khaled Al-Otaibi said that his program focuses on fighting corruption in all forms. He added that voters already know him through his work in the co-op field for eight years.

By Meshaal Al-Enezi