Kuwaitis vote in general elections

A Kuwaiti woman voting in yesterday’s elections.

KUWAIT CITY, Saturday (AP) -Polling stations in Kuwait have opened as voters go and choose a new legislature to replace the old one dissolved in March by the nation's ruler.

Today’s vote is the first time Kuwaitis cast ballots according to a law passed two years ago that redraws precincts with the aim of reducing vote-buying.

Political crises have plagued the country over the last two years, leading to resignations in the Cabinet and the repeated dissolution of parliament.

Kuwaitis are hoping that the 50-seat house they elect today will be able to work well with the Cabinet, which is appointed by the ruling Al Sabah family.

Twenty-seven women candidates are vying for seats, along with 248 men. Women were granted political rights in 2005, but failed to win any seats in 2006, the first election they participated in.