The challenges facing Kuwaiti democracy

The 1999 Kuwaiti elections marked the ninth parliamentary elections since 1 963. Parliament was dissolved extra-constitutionally in 1976 and 1986, but the dissolution of 1999 was carried out in accordance with the constitution . Although Kuwaiti democracy is imperfect in many ways, it is also the only longstanding parliamentary process in the Gulf region. The article analyze s the weaknesses affecting, and challenges facing, Kuwait's political syste m, balancing this assessment with a consideration of more positive factors, which have led to the restoration of parliamentary life after each period of dissolution.