Kuwait Emir bars naturalized citizens from voting, running and appointment

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah issued a decree on Sunday stripping naturalized Kuwaitis of the right to vote, run for office or receive appointments in any legislative body, state news agency KUNA reported. The decree adds a new clause to Article 7 of the Kuwaiti citizenship law, denying those rights to anyone who acquired Kuwaiti nationality. Under previous rules, naturalized citizens gained voting rights 30 years after acquiring citizenship, while candidacy and appointments were already prohibited. The new order comes roughly two years after parliament was dissolved and the application of several constitutional provisions was suspended. Kuwaiti authorities have revoked the citizenship of tens of thousands of people since 2024 on grounds including dual nationality and obtaining citizenship through illegal means or forged documents, and have halted the practice of granting citizenship through marriage. Officials have described the measures as part of reforms led by the Emir. The decree is expected to narrow the voter base as Kuwait continues to reassemble its electoral system following years of political deadlock.