Kuwait's highest court rejects election law changeSeptember 25, 2012 - 16:34 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Kuwait's highest court has rejected a government appeal aimed at changing the Gulf emirate's electoral boundaries, BBC News reported. The Constitutional Court upheld the 2006 electoral law, which divided the country into five constituencies. The ruling came a day after thousands of opposition supporters held a protest outside parliament in Kuwait City. Opponents of the law change said it would have allowed the government to redefine electoral boundaries to its advantage ahead of fresh polls. However, the government said the reason for the court action was to safeguard the outcome of future elections from possible legal challenges. In an unprecedented ruling in June, the Constitutional Court declared illegal February's elections for the National Assembly, in which the Islamist-led opposition made significant gains, and reinstated the previous parliament. The opposition has demanded that parliament be dissolved and fresh elections held as soon as possible. "The constitutional ruling today means that the government should resign immediately," Islamist MP Faisal al-Mislem wrote on Twitter. Kuwait's parliament has the most powers of any elected body in the Gulf, and opposition MPs openly criticise the ruling Sabah family. But the Sabahs retains full control over key government and executive posts. The Emir, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah, called February's election amid a crisis over corruption allegations. In November, the cabinet resigned shortly before former Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser al-Mohammed al-Sabah was to be asked about the alleged payment of bribes to pro-government MPs. Protesters had stormed the parliament building the previous month when the government tried to prevent Sheikh Nasser facing questions. 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 | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |