Kuwait city: The State of Kuwait marks the 63rd anniversary of its Constitution, a significant document that outlines the ruling system and organizes the relationships among legislative, executive, and judicial authorities.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the Kuwaiti people take pride in their Constitution, which has played a role in fostering democracy in the Gulf nation, highlighting civil rights, freedom of speech, and ensuring justice and equality.
Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, the 11th Amir of Kuwait, ratified the Constitution on November 11, 1962, marking a pivotal moment in the country's political history. The Kuwaiti populace looks back with pride on the historic democratic phases that led to the Constitution's creation, starting with the constitutional document in 1938 and culminating in 1962 with what is known as Kuwait's "most important document."
The late Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem expressed his vision of establishing a parliamentary system grounded in democratic principles, with public involvement in the Constitution's creation. He enacted a law on August 26, 1961, concerning the transitional period's bylaw and the election of the Constituent Assembly to draft the Constitution.
In January 1962, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem inaugurated the Constituent Assembly, urging its members to lay the nation's ruling system's foundations. The Assembly elected Abdullatif Mohammad Al-Ghanem as Speaker and Dr. Ahmad Al-Khateeb as Deputy Speaker. The sixth session led to the election of the Constitution Committee, chaired by the late Father Amir Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, which finalized the Constitution draft, approved unanimously on November 3, 1962.
The Constitution, ratified on November 11, 1962, consists of 183 Articles across five Chapters, detailing the State and System of Government, Fundamental Constituents of Kuwaiti Society, Public Rights and Duties, Authorities, and General and Transitional Provisions. The first parliamentary elections, held in January 1963, marked the onset of political practice under the Constitution.
Kuwait's democratic journey has faced challenges, with parliamentary suspensions in 1976 and 1986, but the Constitution has remained a protective force against domestic and external challenges, including the Iraqi invasion in 1990-91. During the occupation, Kuwaitis stood united behind their legitimate leadership. In April 1991, a new government was formed to oversee reconstruction, and by October 1992, parliamentary life resumed.
The State of Kuwait's leaders have consistently upheld the Constitution. The late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah emphasized its role as the cornerstone of democracy. The late Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah have also reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the Constitution and democracy, emphasizing the importance of protecting the nation from crises and division attempts.