KUWAIT: The government on Saturday submitted its resignation to HH the Amir as required by the constitution following parliamentary elections. After accepting the resignation, HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is expected to start customary consultations early next week with former prime ministers and Assembly speakers before naming a prime minister, who could be the present one or a new figure.

Under Kuwaiti law, the new Cabinet must be formed before the National Assembly holds its inaugural session within two weeks after the election results. During an extraordinary meeting on Saturday, the Cabinet expressed gratitude for all efforts by all bodies that participated in organizing the elections. It praised the citizens’ national commitment demonstrated in this democratic event. The Cabinet congratulated all the newly-elected MPs, wishing them success and further progress.

Before resigning, the Cabinet approved during an extraordinary meeting on Saturday an Amiri decree inviting the new parliament to hold its first meeting on April 17. During the meeting, HH the Amir will deliver a speech, followed by new MPs and ministers taking the oath, then the election of speaker, deputy speaker and parliamentary committees.

So far, MP Fahad Al-Azmi has announced his intention to contest the speaker’s post. Outgoing speaker Ahmad Al-Saadoun is also highly expected to run for re-election. Assembly speaker between 2013 and 2022 Marzouq Al-Ghanem said he will study the matter before deciding whether to run or not. Ahead of the official inaugural meeting, MPs will hold an informal meeting at the Assembly on Monday, according to MP Bader Al-Dahoum, who added invitations will be sent out to new lawmakers.