In a recent interview, National Assembly Jassem al-Khorafi waxed poetic about the nature of government and democratic reforms in Kuwait. He stressed the need for national unity - cooperation between the Assembly and the government - which has often proved a sticking point in actualizing reform in Kuwait.

Al-Khorafi only made passing mention of political parties, using few words to give a definitive answer to the question of Kuwait's readiness for a party system: "Are we ready now? I'd say no we are not."

While Kuwait is "unready" for political parties, al-Khorafi does indeed recognize the importance of integrating a party system into the government to make progress towards a more democratic state. He said that the 50 elected MPs already act like they are their own political parties.

Perhaps the formation of credible political parties would provide a more coherent, unified government? If Kuwait is concerned with national unity, it seems that they should institute a party system.

Visit Arab Times
for the transcript of al-Khorafi's interview