Good Reputation as an Assumed Prerequisite in the Parliamentary Candidate: A Comparative Study (Kuwait & Egypt)
Dr. Ali Al Dhofairi
Assistant Professor of Public Law Kuwait International Law School
Abstract:
While parliamentary elections have became an integral part of constitutional and democratic life, accepted by Kuwaitis as a method of choosing their representatives, several issues have surfaced in the part few years regarding the ethics and characteristics of candidates.
This article discusses the application of one of the candidacy conditions that is taken for granted although unwritten, namely, the requirement of possessing a good reputation. Although it has been a recognized condition during the past period, whether socially, ethically, or politically, the requirement for candidates to possess a good reputation has become controversial over the past few years. This is due to the increasing electoral competition between an increasing number of candidates who wish to assume the highest legislative office in the country.
The importance of discussing this issue is heightened by the fact that there is considerable legislative ambiguity regarding this issue, and a reluctance on the part of the electoral administration to apply this condition accurately and correctly. This negatively affects the outcomes of elections, and ultimately reflects poorly upon the legislative institution.