KUWAIT: A day ahead of the National Assembly (parliament) elections, for the 15th Legislative Term, due tomorrow, election silence takes effect in Kuwait as of today.

The law provides that the media, even electronic media, is not allowed to practice any activities regarding the candidates' electoral campaigns. Nominees themselves will have to bring their campaigning to a complete halt. Anyone, including the media, caught breaking the mandated silence will be subject to a KD 5,000 fine, according to a Ministry of Interior official who asked not to be named.

Pre-election silence aims to give voters a chance to carefully consider their choice for the election day. The media can only offer messages to educate the voters on elections, or urge them to positively take part in the vote.

According to the Ministry of Information's relevant decree, broadcasting, re-broadcasting or publishing any interviews, programs or reports with candidates for the National Assembly elections or the Municipal Council, is prohibited on the polling day, and the day before it. The National Assembly was dissolved by an Amiri Decree on October 16. - Kuna