Dr. Khalid Al-Saleh
By Dr Khalid A Al-Saleh

Kuwait, with its partial democracy, achieve presence in the free countries' club? This "disapproving" question is directed to free countries: Do you accept our membership with you? Do you have in your laws quarter membership, half membership and so on? There is a law in life called all or none - our body's muscles work according to this law, which seems to apply to politics too. There is nothing called partial democracy - parts will not be recognized as an alternative for the whole.

In 2015, leaders of the world adopted the sustainable development plan for 2030 by creating a world in which democracy, wise governance and rule of law, in addition to a suitable environment at both the national and international levels, are necessary for sustainable development. We today, based on the new elections, have an opportunity to expand the democratic process as promised by the Kuwaiti constitution. This is the true challenge for this Assembly, which with time will influence the future of our generations.

All educated politicians are aware of democracy's stipulations, from respect for human rights and freedom of joining societies to freedom of expression and opinion as well as reaching the authority and practicing it according to the rule of law, along with organizing free and transparent elections with secret balloting as an expression of the will of the people. Also, having a multiparty system, separation of powers, independence of the judiciary, having transparency and being questioned for public administration. Finally, providing media with means characterized by freedom and independence.

These are the elements of democracy that allow us to enter the club of free countries and achieve what we committed ourselves to in the sustainable development plan. We have time for being measured and fulfill the dream of Kuwait's constitution - we only need leaders of a special type.

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