By Wafa Ramadhan, KUNA,
Kuwait : Kuwaiti academics set standards according to which citizens should vote for candidates for election of the National Assembly 2008, urging them to judge whether their favored nominee would be able to serve the national development process.
Professor of Political Sciences at Kuwait University, Abdulridha Asiri, told KUNA that the voters should abide by certain standards to choose the candidate who will represent him/her in the National Assembly.
Asiri added, the first consideration should be based on candidates’ qualifications and their interest in national problems, secondly, the educational standards of the candidate, and thirdly honesty — with no hidden agendas.
He also advised voters to support those capable of shouldering responsibility and addressing important issues, such as grilling, increase of salaries and state development.
Many voters make their choices depending on interests or traditions. Some will vote for a candidate according to his/her tribe or political beliefs; others wait for election campaigns and try to make up their minds on the elections day.
Meanwhile, another Professor of Political Science in Kuwait University, Haila Al-Mikaibi, said voters should be aware that “there are ex-MPs who played a marginal role in society development, therefore one should choose in accordance with qualifications and joint interests.” Al-Mikaibi called upon citizens to consider the positive and negative aspects of the performance of the former NA, a way to avoid repeating the same mistakse again by voting for those not worthy and qualified.
Dr. Abdullah Sahar, Professor of Political Science, said that voters’ choice should be based on true reasons, qualifications and commitment to service the country, and a clear and honest agenda.
He added, national unity should always be the top priority when voting for candidates to represent the Kuwaiti people of all ages, and not depend on sectarian standards.