Kuwait strips naturalised citizens of voting rights
A mass citizenship revocation campaign forms part of reforms spearheaded by Kuwait’s emir, who dissolved parliament after taking power.
Kuwait's emir recently approved a decree stripping naturalized citizens of their voting rights, following a two-year campaign of revoking citizenships and dissolving parliament. Previously, naturalized Kuwaitis could vote 30 years after obtaining their nationality but were barred from running for office or being appointed to any parliamentary body.
The amendment to the Kuwaiti Nationality Law, reported by KUNA news agency, prohibits those who acquired Kuwaiti nationality through naturalization from voting, running for office, or being appointed to any parliamentary body, starting in 2024. The emir's crackdown on citizenship began in December 2023, coinciding with his dissolution of parliament and suspension of parts of the constitution.
The revocations target dual nationals, citizens obtained fraudulently, and those with ties to the oil-rich nation, aiming to restrict nationality to blood relatives. This policy is seen as reshaping Kuwaiti identity and potentially reducing the electorate after years of political turmoil.
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Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Kuwait strips naturalised citizens of voting rights freemalaysiatoday.com
