Islamists' election success could deepen Kuwait's political crisis

Kuwait's Islamist-led opposition took control of the Gulf state's parliament yesterday, making sweeping gains in a snap election on the back of a wave of public anger over corruption and political deadlock.

The country's ruler, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, called the vote in December after dissolving the chamber in response to a deepening political deadlock that has stymied reform and held up vital development projects.

Analysts said the result might only deepen political turmoil in the key US ally if it emboldened the opposition to push for constitutional change and challenge the government.

The Eurasia Group said: "The opposition win will not resolve ongoing political and social tensions in Kuwait; indeed, tensions ... could worsen as the opposition demands a structural change in the political order."

Reuters