KUWAITI ELECTORATE TO JUMP 160% IF WOMEN VOTE;

UNCLAS KUWAIT 001016

SIPDIS

FOR NEA/ARPI BERNS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KWMN PHUM KDEM KU WOMEN POLITICAL RIGHTS FREEDOM AGENDA
SUBJECT: KUWAITI ELECTORATE TO JUMP 160% IF WOMEN VOTE;
POLL SHOWS PUBLIC SUPPORT

REF: KUWAIT 944


1. If the National Assembly grants Kuwaiti women the right to
vote, women will become a vital political constituency as
they will constitute 61% of eligible voters. The overall
electorate will more than double to 39% of the total citizen
population (cited as 956,000) from 15% today. According to
Al-Shall Economic Consultants, in a report summarized in an
English-language newspaper March 13, the number of potential
voters would increase to 372,000 from the current base of
143,000, which represents Kuwaiti men at least 21 years of
age who do not serve in the military or any security service.
The military exclusion disqualifies 29% of male voters.
(Note: The electorate numbers represent the total eligible
voters but not necessarily the number of people who will
register to vote or ultimately cast a ballot. End note.)
Women outnumber men in the 21 category by 26,000. All
figures are based on CY 2004 statistics.


2. The newspaper also reported that a government-sponsored
poll revealed that 51% of Kuwaitis support full political
rights for women while 29% oppose the idea. Were women only
allowed to vote but not seek elected office, the level of
support jumps to 71%. The poll, conducted in conjunction with
Kuwait University, was based on a random sample of 2,000
Kuwaiti men and women.


3. Comment: Women's voting rights remains a hot topic in the
press and during diwaniya visits. Opinions heard from
contacts jibe with the opinion poll in that people believe
the women's suffrage bill will pass, but narrowly. End
comment.
LEBARON