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One cannot be too optimistic about the current parliament despite of all the positive indicators in the recent election process, which included a growing number of new lawmakers and the fall of bothersome MPs, as expected. These indicators can be the cause of tensions within a few months unless a national salvation program is jointly set by the upcoming cabinet and an overwhelming majority of the parliament. Without a program, gaps will start developing within the government-parliament cooperation, which will probably pave the way for new interpellations eventually, or a parliament dissolution as some analysts expected after the elections.
A national salvation program and agreeing on joint priorities have an exceptional significance not only to avoid the dissolution of the assembly, but also to avoid other consequences that are not affordable keeping the current circumstances in mind. Aside from the direct damage on reform, development and planning for the near future, lack of cooperation will enhance further tension, while repeated dissolution will tarnish Kuwait's international image and portray it as being incapable of running its own matters despite the wealth and long regional parliamentary experience. In terms of the irrational sectarian and doctrinal speech, it is considered a cause for undermining national solidarity.
During the electoral campaigns, some candidates called for holding a national conference, which reminds us of what happened during the Iraqi invasion and clearly indicates the severity of the challenges we are facing at all levels. However, That is as necessary as the need for a brave governmental vision on which we can rely to set a salvation program that satisfies the parliament's majority. But the question is, how do we reconcile these populist calls, financial and economic reforms and sustainable development? Unless these issues become so convincing to not incite public opinion against the government and reform measures, it is impossible to do so. This might take some time until awareness programs start blossoming.
Until then:
1- The government will have to do more than just provide services. It will have to be in contact with various citizens without any brokers or go-between people who would blackmail the voters using the state and trade in at the same time.
2- Both the government and state establishments will have to stop taking sides in public or behind closed doors at the expense of other powers and blocs. It must equally resolve the problem of revenge seeking. It must be open for new public and youth powers.
3- The government, the National Assembly and all Kuwaitis must realize that constant tension will open more foreign eyes, especially those powers that are already waiting to use our political gaps and domestic division to infiltrate and create more chaos and tumults, to help terrorists control Kuwait and after that crying over spilt milk will do us no good.
By Nabila Al-Anjeri
