| Legal Framework |
|---|
| Electoral Law | 12 November 1962 Last amendment: Decree of law No 20 of 2012 (Gazetted on 23 Oct. 2012) |
| Mode of designation | directly elected 50 other 15 |
| Constituencies | 5 multi-member constituencies (10 seats each) |
| Voting system | Majority: Simple majority vote Each voter chooses one candidate in a district. The 10 candidates with the most votes in each district are declared elected. If two candidates receive an equal number of valid votes, the polling committee draws lots and the winner is declared elected. There is no threshold to win a seat. There are no reserved seats or quotas for women, minorities or other categories. Vacancies arising between general elections are filled through by-elections. However, no by-elections are held when a vacancy occurs within six months of the expiry of the legislative term. Voting is not compulsory. |
| Voter requirements | - age: 21 years - citizens of Kuwait with Kuwaiti father - residence in the country at the time of election - citizens overseas can not vote - disqualifications: any imprisonment, persons naturalized within the last 20 years, military personnel and policemen, unrehabilitated persons convicted of a felony or dishonorable crime |
| Candidates |
|---|
| Eligibility | - qualified electors - age: 30 years - citizens of Kuwait with Kuwaiti father - residence in the country at the time of election - ability to read and write in Arabic |
| Incompatibilities | - Head of State - ministers of State - holders of judicial offices (judges) - executives of the Electoral Commission - members of the Electoral Commission - members of the armed forces - members of the police forces The incompatibilities above are valid during the term of office. |
| Candidacy requirements | Candidacy requirements - by individual candidatures (there are no political parties) - deposit of 500 dinars, which is reimbursed if the candidate obtains at least 10 valid votes cast in the constituency. Failing this or if the candidate withdraws, this amount is paid to charity. |