Enezi to address solidarity, prisoners of opinion, humanitarian issues

Abdullah Fahhad Al-Enezi’s elections poster, with a motto that reads “safeguarding a nation.”

KUWAIT: Fourth constituency candidate for the 2016 parliamentary elections and former Municipal Council member Abdullah Fahhad Al-Enezi said his motive for running was the government's and the previous parliament's failure in achieving the Kuwaiti people's aspirations. He accused both of selectiveness and revenge and using various tools to pressure political blocs and limit political activities, instead of achieving social security.

Enezi holds a BA in engineering from North Carolina University in the US. He was a Municipal Council member from 2009-2013 and chaired the council's technical and Jahra committees and the structural plan committee. He holds a human rights activist certificate from the Arab League, has been an Arab Arbitration Center fellow, member of KES and founding member of Kuwait's Council for Green Buildings.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Kuwait Times, Enezi added the one-vote electoral system divided the society and boosted sectarianism and tribalism, which was clearly detected in the previous parliament. Enezi noted that the most important topics on his agenda include strengthening the domestic front, releasing prisoners of opinion, giving back citizenships that had been politically withdrawn, stopping security pursuits, fixing the deterioration in humanitarian issues, solving the bedoon problem and protecting citizens' dignities.

Failure

Kuwait Times: What is the reason behind your decision to run for elections?

Abdullah Al-Enezi: In view of the government's and the previous parliament's failure in achieving the Kuwaiti people's aspirations and using various tools to oppress political powers instead of achieving social security, and after consulting my constituents, I decided to run to defend public gains and achieve public wishes.

KT: What do you think of the one-vote electoral system?

Enezi: This system has divided the society and enhanced sectarianism and tribalism, which were clear in the outcome of the previous parliament.

KT: If you win the elections, will you try to amend it?

Enezi: We will work hard on amending this decree and seek a fair electoral system that enhances democracy.

Main issues

KT: What are the main issues you will tackle?

Enezi: I will focus on national solidarity, releasing prisoners of opinion, giving back citizenships that had been politically withdrawn, stopping security pursuits, fixing deterioration in humanitarian issues, solving the bedoon problem and protecting citizens' dignities.

I will also give due care to youth to help them achieve their aspirations and hopes under an umbrella of social justice and equal opportunities. I will also work on providing them with proper housing to end their sufferings in a country that possesses all potentials.

I will also work on developing services in Jahra and Farwaniya in particular and the country in general by passing development projects, following up their execution and holding those accused of dereliction accountable.

KT: What do you think of the previous parliament?

Enezi: The previous parliament disappointed us and was not up to its responsibilities, and I expect a great deal of change in the coming one.

KT: How do you view the participation of the opposition that had boycotted previous elections?

Enezi: This is message from the boycotters to the government, telling it that it was going through the wrong paths and that this needs to be set straight to make the people the source of all powers.

KT: Do you think any female candidates will make it to the coming parliament?

Enezi: Women are highly valued by the entire society as mothers, sisters and wives. They are not to be taken lightly and surely have what it takes to become MPs. But I expect only one of them to win a parliamentary seat.

KT: What is the percentage of change you expect in the coming parliament?

Enezi: For the past three years, people have been angry with lawmakers' performance and I expect an 80 percent turnover in the coming parliament.

KT: What percentage of participation do you expect? Why?

Enezi: Now that the Kuwaiti people have seen the shortcomings of the dissolved parliament, I expect a 75 percent turnout in the elections due to the tense regional situation that calls for effective participation. We also witnessed human right violations, restricting liberties and a systematic 'assault' on citizens' pockets and incomes, which affected the lives of many and made them detect danger.  Therefore, I expect higher rates of participation to protect citizens, because laws passed by the previous parliament were against them.

False promises

KT: What do you think of the false promises made by some previous MPs?

Enezi: The dissolved parliament was one without will. We all agree that MPs' performance was way below par, although they had promised not to affect citizens' income, but what happened is that they took part in doing so in the very first test of such promises. This will not deceive the Kuwaiti people.

KT: Is the bedoon issue on your electoral program?

Enezi: The government must acknowledge the contributions of bedoons who protected this land side by side with citizens in times of distress. The problem has to be humanely and legally resolved in a way that achieves decent lives for them and grant them full human rights, especially since we live in a 'humanitarian center'. The government must also grant citizenship to those who deserve it and not use these demands for political bargaining.

KT: What do you think of the DNA law?

Enezi: This law is against the sharia, norms and traditions. I do thank HH the Amir for setting things right and ordering the government to restudy it. If I win, I will assess the government's reaction to this law and will help it if it respects HH the Amir's wishes. Otherwise, the government will be held accountable for any religious or constitutional violations.

KT: What is your impression about writing off loans?

Enezi: Consumer loans is surely an issue that affects all Kuwaiti families. The people have been suffering because of loans they would not have resorted to if it were not for the government's failures and blunders. Justice must be observed for everyone on writing off such loans.

By Meshaal Al-Enezi