ELECTION UPDATE: TENTS, BLACKSMITHS, FLAT SCREEN TVS AND

UNCLAS KUWAIT 002151

SIPDIS

SIPDIS, NOFORN

DEPARTMENT FOR NEA/ARP

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV ECON KU FREEDOM AGENDA
SUBJECT: ELECTION UPDATE: TENTS, BLACKSMITHS, FLAT SCREEN TVS AND
CHOCOLATE IN DEMAND IN THE RUN-UP TO ELECTION DAY

Ref. Kuwait 2148


1. (U) Summary: Preparations for Kuwait's June 29 parliamentary
elections are proving to be an economic windfall for the country's
catering services, tent suppliers, flat screen television vendors,
print shops, and blacksmiths as 386 candidates, including 31 women,
splurge on these and other offerings in an effort to lure voters to
their campaign tents in the hopes of securing victory on election
day. End summary.


2. (U) Campaign season is in full swing in Kuwait as evidenced by
the colorful array of banners, posters and large tents blanketing
the country's 25 electoral districts. A total 386 candidates,
including 31 women, are registered for the election. The large
majority are promoting themselves through the use of elaborate
billboards, street-side posters, brochures, websites, SMS messages,
ribbons, t-shirts, and chocolate wrappers with imprinted logos. The
resulting political flurry of activity in anticipation of the June
29 election has led to increased demand (and a price surge) for
these and other services. Kuwaiti electoral campaigning offers a
unique mix of traditional Arabian hospitality, age-old politicking,
and modern technology with varying degrees of marketing appeal.
Candidates are expending manpower and resources on outdoor seating
areas, tents, elaborate buffets and large plasma screen televisions
(for World Cup matches) to cater to the needs of potential voters.



3. (U) The two major services that have experienced the largest
price increase are tents and meat vendors. A reasonably sized tent
(300 person capacity) currently costs about $17,000, up from
$10,000. Meat products (a key ingredient of Kuwaiti cuisine),
particularly sheep, have increased 25%, now costing $200 each.
Catering companies are also doing brisk business offering their
services to the numerous campaign tents for several hours in the
evening. (Note: Most campaign tents remain open from 8:30pm until
after midnight. End note.)

4. (U) The rising cost of printing promotional materials is another
election-driven phenomenon. According to local vendors, the cost
per square meter of a banner ranges from $10-$19. One thousand
posters cost $300-$550; 1000 stickers cost $150-$500 USD; 1000
badges are priced at $600; and t-shirts cost approximately $4 each.
The demand for blacksmiths is also on the rise due to the amount of
metal pegs needed to secure sign boards on the ground. TV sales are
also increasing and the anticipated World Cup season will draw eager
fans to election tents, many of which will preview the matches.


5. (U) However, the country's travel and commercial shopping
sectors are experiencing temporary setbacks as many Kuwaitis are
foregoing ongoing sales (as high as 75%) and either postponing or
canceling summer vacation plans in anticipation of the election.
With election results expected to be announced 24-48 hours after
polling stations close, election victory celebrations are expected
to last until mid-July.

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For more reporting from Embassy Kuwait, visit:
http://www.state.sgov/p/nea/kuwait/?cables

Visit Kuwait's Classified Website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/kuwait/
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TUELLER