Kuwait voters casting ballots in parliamentary electionJuly 27, 2013 - 11:24 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Voters in Kuwait are casting ballots in a parliamentary election that leaders in the oil-rich Gulf nation hope will restore some stability after years of political confrontations, but an opposition boycott suggests more showdowns ahead, The Associated Press reports. The voting was called after a court invalidated the 50-seat chamber elected in December. It found technical flaws in the balloting, but let stand a new system ordered by Kuwait’s ruler for one vote per person. It replaced the former method allowing voters to spread four votes between various candidates. Critics say the old system encouraged vote buying and tribal blocs. Opposition groups, led by Islamists, plan to boycott — as they did in December. The vote takes place during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |