Article 1 [Sovereignty, Territorial Integrity]

Kuwait is an Arab State, independent and fully sovereign. Neither its sovereignty nor any part of its territory may be relinquished. The people of Kuwait is a part of the Arab Nation.

Article 2 [State Religion]

The religion of the State is Islam, and the Islamic Sharia shall be a main source of legislation.

Article 3 [Official Language]

The official language of the State is Arabic.

Article 4 [Monarchy]

1. Kuwait is a hereditary Amirate, the succession to which shall be in the descendants of the late Mubarak al-Sabah.
2. The Heir Apparent shall be designated within one year, at the latest, from the date of accession of the Amir.
3. His designation shall be effected by an Amiri Order upon the nomination of the Amir and the approval of the National Assembly which shall be signified by a majority vote of its members in a special sitting.
4. In case no designation is achieved in accordance with the foregoing procedure, the Amir shall nominate at least three of the descendants of the late Mubarak al-Sabah of whom the National Assembly shall pledge allegiance to one as Heir Apparent.
5. The Heir Apparent shall have attained his majority, be of sound mind, and a legitimate son of Muslim parents.
6. A special law promulgated within one year from the date of coming into force of this Constitution shall lay down the other rules of succession in the Amirate. The said law shall be of a constitutional nature and therefore shall be capable of amendment only by the procedure prescribed for amendment of the Constitution.

Article 5 [State Symbols]

The flag, emblem, badges, decorations, and the National Anthem of the State shall be specified by law.

Article 6 [Democracy]

The System of Government in Kuwait shall be democratic, under which sovereignty resides in the people, the source of all powers. Sovereignty shall be exercised in the manner specified in this Constitution.

Article 7 [State Goals]

Justice, Liberty, and Equality are the pillars of society; co-operation and mutual help are the firmest bonds between citizens.

Article 8 [Guardian State]

The State safeguards the pillars of Society and ensures security, tranquility, and equal opportunities for citizens.

Article 9 [Family]

The family is the corner-stone of Society. It is founded on religion, morality, and patriotism. Law shall preserve the integrity of the family, strengthen its ties, and protect under its auspices motherhood and childhood.

Article 10 [Youth Protection]

The State cares for the young and protects them from exploitation and from moral, physical, and spiritual neglect.

Article 11 [Old Age Protection]

The State ensures aid for citizens in old age, sickness, or inability to work. It also provides them with services of social security, social aid, and medical care.

Article 12 [Arab Heritage]

The State safeguards the heritage of Islam and of the Arabs and contributes to the furtherance of human civilization.

Article 13 [Education]

Education is a fundamental requisite for the progress of society, assured and promoted by the State.

Article 14 [Science, Arts]

The State shall promote science, letters, and the arts and encourage scientific research therein.

Article 15 [Health Care]

The State cares for public health and for means of prevention and treatment of diseases and epidemics.

Article 16 [Property Rights]

Property, capital, and work are fundamental constituents of the social structure of the State and of the national wealth. All of them are individual rights with a social function as regulated by law.

Article 17 [Public Property]

Public property is inviolable and its protection is the duty of every citizen.

Article 18 [Private Property, Inheritance]

Private property is inviolable. No one shall be prevented from disposing of his property except within the limits of the law. No property shall be expropriated except for the public benefit In the circumstances and in the manner specified by law, and on condition that just compensation is paid.

Article 19 [Confiscation]

General confiscation of the property of any person shall be prohibited. Confiscation of particular property as a penalty may not be inflicted except by court judgment in the circumstances specified by law.

Article 20 [National Economy]

The national economy shall be based on social justice. It is founded on fair co-operation between public and private activities. Its aim shall be economic development, increase of productivity, improvement of the standard of living, and achievement of prosperity for citizens, all within the limits of the law.

Article 21 [Natural Resources]

Natural resources and all revenues there from are the property of the State. It shall ensure their preservation and proper exploitation, due regard being given to the requirements of State security and the national economy.

Article 22 [Employment, Tenements]

Relations between employers and employees and between landlords and tenants shall be regulated by law on economic principles, due regard being given to the rules of social justice.

Article 23 [Banking]

The State shall encourage both co-operative activities and savings, and supervise the system of credit.

Article 24 [Taxation]

Social justice shall be the basis of taxes and public imposts.

Article 25 [State Burdens]

The State shall ensure the solidarity of society in shouldering burdens resulting from public disasters and calamities, and provide compensation for war damages or injuries received by any person as a result of the discharge of his military duties.

Article 26 [Public Office]

(1) Public office is a national service entrusted to those who hold it. Public officials, in the exercise of their duties, shall aim at the public interest.

Article 27 [Nationality]

Kuwaiti nationality is defined by law. No deprivation or withdrawal of nationality may be effected except within the limits prescribed by law.

Article 28 [Deportation, Return]

No Kuwaiti may be deported from Kuwait or prevented from returning thereto.

Article 29 [Equality, Human Dignity, Personal Liberty]

All people are equal in human dignity and in public rights and duties before the law, without distinction to race, origin, language, or religion.

Article 30 [Liberty]

Personal Liberty is guaranteed.

Article 31 [Arrest, Move, No Torture]

No person shall be arrested, detained, searched, or compelled to reside in a specified place, nor shall the residence of any person or his liberty to choose his place of residence or his liberty of movement be restricted, except in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Article 32 [Nulla Poena Sine Lege, Personal Penalty]

No crime and no penalty may be established except by virtue of law, and no penalty may be imposed except for offences committed after the relevant law has come into force.

Article33 [Penalty]

Penalty is personal.

Article 34 [Presumption of Innocence, Right to Trial]

1. An accused person is presumed innocent until proved guilty in a legal trial at which the necessary guarantees for the exercise of the right of defence are secured.
2. The infliction of physical or moral injury on an accused person is prohibited.

Article 35 [Freedom of Religion and Belief]

Freedom of belief is absolute. The State protects the freedom of practicing religion in accordance with established customs, provided that it does not conflict with public policy or morals.

Article 36 [Freedom of Opinion and Expression]

Freedom of opinion and of scientific research is guaranteed. Every person has the right to express and propagate his opinion verbally, in writing, or otherwise, in accordance with the conditions and procedures specified by law.

Article 37 [Freedom of the Press]

Freedom of the press, printing, and publishing is guaranteed in accordance with the conditions and manner specified by law.

Article 38 [Home]

Places of residence shall be inviolable. They may not be entered without the permission of their occupants except in the circumstances and manner specified by law.

Article 39 [Freedom and Secrecy of Communication]

Freedom of communication by post, telegraph, and telephone and the secrecy thereof is guaranteed; accordingly, censorship or communications and disclosure of their contents are not permitted except in the circumstances and manner specified by law.

Article 40 [Compulsory and Free Education]

1. Education is a right for Kuwaitis, guaranteed for the State in accordance with law and within the limits of public policy and morals. Education in its preliminary stages is compulsory and free in accordance with the law.
2. The law lay down the necessary plan to eliminate illiteracy.
3. The State shall devote particular care to the physical, moral, and mental development of the youth.

Article 41 [Right and Duty to Work]

1. Every Kuwaiti has the right to work and to choose the type of his work.
2. Work is a duty of every citizen necessitated by personal dignity and public good. The State shall Endeavour to make it available to citizens and to make its terms equitable.

Article 42 [No Forced Labor]

There is no forced labor except in the cases specified by law for national emergency and with just remuneration.

Article 43 [Association]

Freedom to form associations and unions on a national basis and by peaceful means is guaranteed in accordance with the conditions and manner specified by law. No one may be compelled to join any association or union.

Article 44 [Assembly]

1. Individuals have the right of private assembly without permission or prior notification, and the police may not attend such private meetings.
2. Public meetings, processions, and gatherings are permitted in accordance with the conditions and manner specified by law, provided that their purpose and means are peaceful and not contrary to morals.

Article 45 [Petition]

Every individual has the right to address the public authorities in writing over his signature. Only duly constituted organizations and bodies corporate have the right to address the authorities collectively.

Article 46 [Asylum]

Extradition of political refugees is prohibited.

Article 47 [National Defence, Military Service]

National defence is a sacred duty, and military service is an honor for citizens which shall be regulated by law.

Article 48 [Taxation, Minimum Standard of Living]

Payment of taxes and public imposts is a duty in accordance with the law which regulates exemption of small incomes from taxes in such a way as to maintain the minimum standard of living.

Article 49 [Public Order, Public Morals]

Observance of public order and respect for public morals are a duty incumbent upon all inhabitants of Kuwait.

Article 50 [Separation and Constitutionality of Powers]

The system of Government is based on the principle of separation of powers functioning in co-operation with each other in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. None of these powers may relinquish all or part of its competence specified in this Constitution.

Article 51 [Legislative Power]

The legislative power shall be vested in the Amir and the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution.

Article 52 [Executive Power]

The executive power is vested in the Amir, the Cabinet, and the Ministers, in the manner specified by the Constitution.

Article 53 [Judicial Power]

The judicial power is vested in the Courts, which exercise it in the name of the Amir within the limits of the Constitution.

Article 54 [Head of State, Immunity, Inviolability]

The Amir is the Head of the State. His person is immune and inviolable.

Article 55 [Government]

The Amir exercises his powers through his Ministers.

Article 56 [Prime Minister]

1. The Amir, after the traditional consultations, appoints the Prime Minister and relieve him of office. The Amir also appoint Ministers and relieve them of office upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
2. Ministers shall be appointed from amongst the members of the National Assembly and from others.
3. The number of Ministers in all shall not exceed one-third of the number of the members of the National Assembly.

Article 57 [New Government]

The Cabinet is re-constituted in the manner specified in the preceding Article at the beginning of every legislative term of the National Assembly.

Article 58 [Responsibility]

The Prime Minister and the Ministers shall be collectively responsible to the Amir for the general policy of the State. Every Minister shall also be individually responsible to the Amir for the affairs of his ministry.

Article 59 [Powers of the Amir Specified by Law]

The Law referred to in Article 4 of this Constitution shall specify the conditions under which the Amir shall exercise his constitutional powers.

Article 60 [Oath of the Amir's Office]

Before assuming his powers, the Amir shall take the following oath at a special sitting of the National Assembly:
"I swear by Almighty God to respect the Constitution and the laws of the State, to defend the liberties, interests, and properties of the people, and to safeguard the independence and territorial integrity of the Country."

Article 61 [Deputy Amir]

In the event of his absence outside the Country and the inability of the Heir Apparent to act as Deputy for him, the Amir shall appoint, by an Amiri Order, a Deputy who shall exercise his powers during his absence. The said Amiri Order may include a specified arrangement for the exercise of the said powers on behalf of the Amir, or a limitation of their scope.

Article 62 [Qualification of Deputy Amir]

The Amir's Deputy shall satisfy the qualifications laid down in Article 82 of this Constitution . If he is a Minister or a member of the National Assembly, he shall not take part in the ministerial functions or in the work of the Assembly during the period he is acting as Deputy for the Amir.

Article 63 [Oath of the Deputy Amir's Office]

1. Before assuming his powers the Amir's Deputy shall, at a special sitting of the National Assembly, takes the oath mentioned in Article 60 of this Constitution with the following phrase added thereto:
   " and be loyal to the Amir."
2. In case the National Assembly is not in session, the Oath shall be taken before the Amir.

Article 64 [Incompatibilities of the Deputy Amir]

The provisions of Article 131 of this Constitution shall apply to the Amir's Deputy.

Article 65 [Promulgation of Laws, Initiative of the Amir]

1. The Amir shall have the right to initiate, sanction, and promulgate laws. Promulgation of laws take place within thirty days from the date of their submission by the National Assembly to the Amir. This period shall be reduced to seven days in case of urgency. Such urgency shall be decided upon by a majority vote of the members constituting the National Assembly.
2. Official holidays shall not be counted in computing the promulgation period.
3. If the period of promulgation expires without the Head of State demanding reconsideration, the bill shall be considered as having been sanctioned and shall be promulgated.
   

Article 66 [Bills]

Reference of a bill for reconsideration shall be by a decree sating the grounds therefore. If the National Assembly confirms the bill by a two-thirds majority vote of its members the Amir shall sanction and promulgate the bill within thirty days from its submission to him. If the bill does not receive the said majority, it shall not be reconsidered during the same session. If the National Assembly, in another session, confirms the same bill by a majority vote of its members, the Amir shall sanction and promulgate the bill as law within thirty days from its submission to him.

Article 67 [Chief-of-Command]

The Amir is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. He appoints and dismisses officers in accordance with law.

Article 68 [War]

The Amir shall declare defensive war by decree. Offensive war is prohibited.

Article 69 [Martial Law]

1. The Amir shall proclaim Martial Law in the cases of necessity determined by law and in accordance with the procedure specified therein. The proclamation of Martial Law shall be by decree. Such decree referred to the National Assembly within the fifteen days following its issue, for a decision on the future of Martial Law. If the proclamation takes place during the period the National Assembly is dissolved, it shall be referred to the new Assembly at its first sitting.
2. Martial Law may not continue unless a decision to that effect is made by a majority vote of the members constituting the Assembly.
3. In all cases, the matter shall be referred to the National Assembly in accordance with the foregoing procedure, every three months.

Article 70 [Treaties]

1. The Amir shall concludes treaties by decree and shall transmit them immediately to the National Assembly with the appropriate statement. A treaty shall have the force of law after it is signed, ratified, and published in the Official Gazette.
2. However, treaties of peace and alliance; treaties concerning the territory of the State, its natural resources or sovereign rights, or public or private rights of citizens; treaties of commerce, navigation, and residence; and treaties which entail additional expenditure not provided for in the budget, or which involve amendment of the laws of Kuwait; shall come into force only when made by a law.
3. In no case may treaties include secret provisions contradicting those declared.

Article 71 [Emergency Decrees]

1. Should necessity arise for urgent measures to be taken while the National Assembly is not in session or is dissolved, the Amir may issue decrees in respect thereof which shall have the force of law, provided that they shall not be contrary to the Constitution or to the appropriations included in the budget law.
2. Such decrees shall be referred to the National Assembly within the fifteen days following their issue if the Assembly is in being. If it is dissolved or its legislative term has expired, such decrees shall be referred to the next Assembly at its first sitting. If they are not thus referred, they retrospectively cease to have the force of law, without the necessity of any decision to that effect. If they are referred and the Assembly does not confirm them, they shall retrospectively cease to have the force of law, unless the Assembly approves their validity for the preceding period or settles in some other way the effects arising therefrom.

Article 72 [Execution of Laws]

The Amir shall, by decree, issue the regulations necessary for the execution of laws without amending or suspending such laws or making any exemption from their execution. A law may prescribe a less formal instrument than a decree for the issue of the regulations necessary for its execution.

Article 73 [Regulations]

The Amir shall, by decree, issues sanctions and regulations necessary for the organisation of public services and administration, not conflicting with any law.

Article 74 [Diplomacy]

1. The Amir shall appoints and dismiss civil and military officials and diplomatic representatives to foreign countries in accordance with law.
2. He shall also accept credentials of the representatives of foreign countries.

Article 75 [Pardon, Amnesty]

1. The Amir may, by decree, grant a pardon or commute a sentence.
2. However, general amnesty shall not be granted except by a law and then only in respect of offences committed prior to the proposal of the amnesty.

Article 76 [Orders of Honor]

The Amir shall confers Orders of Honor in accordance with law.

Article 77 [Minting Coins]

Coins shall be minted in the name of the Amir in accordance with law.

Article 78 [Remuneration of the Amir]

Upon the accession of the Head of State, his annual emoluments shall be fixed by a law for the duration of his reign.

Article 79 [Exclusive Legislation]

No law may be promulgated unless it has been passed by the National Assembly and sanctioned by the Amir.

Article 80 [Election, Ministerial Members]

1. The National Assembly shall be composed of fifty members elected directly by universal suffrage and secret ballot in accordance with the provisions prescribed by the electoral law.
2. Ministers who are not elected members of the National Assembly shall be considered ex-officio members thereof.

Article 81 [Constituencies]

Electoral constituencies shall be determined by law.

Article 82 [Qualifications]

A member of the National Assembly shall:

1. be a Kuwait by origin in accordance with law;
2. be qualified as an elector in accordance with the electoral law;
3. be not less than thirty calendar years of age on the day of election;
4. be able to read and write Arabic well.
   

Article 83 [Term, Re-election]

1. The term of the National Assembly shall be four calendar years commencing with the day of its first sitting. Elections for the new Assembly shall take place within the sixty days preceding the expiry of the said term, due regard being given to the provisions of Article 107.
2. Members whose term of office expires may be re-elected.
3. The term of the Assembly may not be extended except for necessity in time of war and by a law.

Article 84 [Vacancy]

1. If, for any reason, a seat in the National Assembly becomes vacant before the end of the term, the vacancy shall be filled by election within two months from the date on which the Assembly declares the vacancy. The mandate of the new member shall last until the end of that of his predecessor.
2. If the vacancy occurs within six months prior to the expiry of the legislative term of the Assembly, no successor shall be elected.

Article 85 [Annual Ordinary Session]

The National Assembly shall have an annual session of not less than eight months. The said session may not be prorogued before the budget is approved.

Article 86 [Start of Ordinary Session]

The Assembly shall start its ordinary session during the month of October of every year upon a convocation by the Amir. If the decree of convocation is not issued before the first of the said month, the time for the meeting shall be deemed to be 9 a.m. on the third Saturday of that month. If such day happens to be an official holiday, the Assembly shall meet on the morning of the first day thereafter.

Article 87 [First Session]

1. Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding two Articles, the Amir shall summon the National Assembly to hold its first meeting within two weeks of the end of the general election. If the decree of convocation is not issued within the said period, the Assembly shall be deemed to have been convoked for the morning of the day following these two weeks, due regard being given to the relevant provision of the preceding Article.
2. If the date of the meeting of the Assembly falls after the annual date mentioned in Article 86, the term of the session specified in Article 85 shall be reduced by the difference between the said two dates.

Article 88 [Extraordinary Sessions]

1. The National Assembly shall, by decree, be called to an extra-ordinary session if the Amir deems it necessary, or upon the demand of the majority of the members of the Assembly.
2. In an extraordinary session, the Assembly may not consider matters other than those for which it has been convened except with the consent of the Cabinet.

Article 89 [Prorogation of Sessions]

The Amir shall announce the prorogation of ordinary and extra-ordinary sessions.

Article 90 [Place of Meeting]

Every meeting held by the Assembly at a time or place other than that assigned for its meeting shall be invalid, and resolutions passed thereat shall, by virtue of law, be void.

Article 91 [Oath of Members]

Before assuming his duties in the Assembly or in its committees, a member of the National Assembly shall take the following oath before the Assembly in a public sitting:
"I swear by Almighty God to be faithful to the Country and to the Amir, to respect the Constitution and the laws of the State, to defend the liberties, interests, and properties of the people, and to discharge my duties honestly and truthfully."

Article 92 [President of Assembly]

1. The National Assembly shall elect at its first sitting and for the duration of its term a Speaker and Deputy Speaker from amongst its members. If either office becomes vacant, the Assembly shall elect a successor for the remainder of its term.
2. In all cases, election shall be by an absolute majority vote of the members present. If this majority vote is not attained in the first ballot, another election shall be held between the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes. If more than one candidate receives an equal number of votes in the second place, all such candidates shall participate in the second ballot. In this case, the candidate who receives the greatest number of votes shall be elected. If there is a tie in this last ballot, the choice shall be by lot.
3. The oldest member shall preside over the first sitting until the President is elected.

Article 93 [Committees]

The Assembly shall form, within the first week of its annual session, the committees necessary for its functions. These committees may discharge their duties during the recess of the Assembly with a view to submitting their recommendations to it when it meets.

Article 94 [Publicity]

Sittings of the National Assembly shall be public, though they may be held in secret upon the request of the Government, the National Assembly Speaker, the Assembly or of ten of its members. The debate on such request shall be held in secret.

Article 95 [Validation of Election]

The National Assembly shall decide upon the validity of the election of its members. No election may be declared invalid except by a majority vote of the members constituting the Assembly. This jurisdiction may, by law, be entrusted to a judicial body.

Article 96 [Resignation of Members]

The National Assembly shall be the competent authority to accept resignation of its members.

Article 97 [Quorum, Majority]

For a meeting of the National Assembly to be valid more than half of its members must be present. Resolutions shall be passed by an absolute majority vote of the members present, except in cases where a special majority is required. When votes are equally divided, the motion shall be rejected.

Article 98 [Government Program]

Immediately upon its formation, every Cabinet shall present its programme to the National Assembly. The Assembly may make comments with regard to such a programme.

Article 99 [Questioning Government]

Every member of the National Assembly may put to the Prime Minister and to Ministers questions with a view to clarifying matters falling within their competence. The questioner alone shall have the right to comment once upon the answer.

Article 100 [Interpellations]

1. Every member of the National Assembly may address to the Prime Minister and to Ministers interpellations with regard to matters falling within their competence.
2. The debate on such an interpellation shall not take place until at least eight days have elapsed after its presentation, except in case of urgency and with the consent of the Minister concerned.
3. Subject to the provisions of Articles 101 and 102 of the Constitution, an interpellation may lead to the question of no-confidence being put to the Assembly.

Article 101 [Vote of No-Confidence]

1. Every Minister shall be responsible to the National Assembly for the affairs of his ministry. If the Assembly passes a vote of no-confidence against a Minister, he shall be considered to have resigned his office as from the date of the vote of no-confidence and shall immediately submit his formal resignation. The question of confidence in a Minister may not be raised except upon his request
   or upon a demand signed by ten members, following a debate on an interpellation addressed to him. The Assembly may not make its decision upon such a request before the lapse of seven days from the presentation thereof.
2. Withdrawal of confidence from a Minister shall be by a majority vote of the members constituting the Assembly excluding Ministers. Ministers shall not participate in the vote of confidence.

Article 102 [No-Confidence in Prime Minister]

1. The Prime Minister shall not hold any portfolio; nor shall the question of confidence in him be raised before the National Assembly.
2. Nevertheless, if the National Assembly decides, in the manner specified in the preceding Article, that it cannot co-operate with the Prime Minister, the matter shall be submitted to the Head of State. In such a case, the Amir may either relieve the Prime Minister of office and appoint a new Cabinet or dissolve the National Assembly.
3. In the event of dissolution, if the new Assembly decides by the above-mentioned majority vote that it cannot co-operate with the said Prime Minister, he shall be considered to have resigned as from the date of the decision of the Assembly in this respect, and a new Cabinet shall be formed.

Article 103 [Continuation of Government]

If, for any reason, the Prime Minister or a Minister vacates his office, he shall continue to discharge the urgent business thereof until his successor is appointed.

Article 104 [Amiri Speech]

1. The Amir shall open the annual session of the National Assembly whereupon he shall deliver an Amiri Speech reviewing the situation of the country and the important public matters which happened during the preceding year, and outlining the projects and reforms the Government plans to undertake during the coming year.
2. The Amir may depute the Prime Minister to open the Assembly or to deliver the Amiri Speech.

Article 105 [Response to Amiri Speech]

The National Assembly shall choose, from amongst its members, a committee to draft the reply to the Amiri Speech which will embody the comments and wishes of the Assembly. After the said reply has been approved by the Assembly, it shall be submitted to the Amir.

Article 106 [Adjournment]

The Amir may, by a decree, adjourn the meeting of the National Assembly for a period not exceeding one month. Adjournment may be repeated during the same session with the consent of the Assembly and then once only. A period of adjournment shall not be counted in computing the duration of the session.

Article 107 [Dissolution]

1. The Amir may dissolve the National Assembly by a decree in which the reasons for dissolution shall be indicated. However, dissolution of the Assembly may not be repeated for the same reasons.
2. In the event of dissolution, elections for the new Assembly shall be held within a period not exceeding two months from the date of dissolution.
3. If the elections are not held within the said period, the dissolved Assembly shall be restored to its full constitutional authority and shall meet immediately as if the dissolution had not taken place. The Assembly shall then continue to functioning until the new Assembly is elected.

Article 108 [Member]

A member of the Assembly represents the whole nation. He shall safeguard the public interest and shall not be subject to any authority in the discharge of his duties in the Assembly or in its committees.

Article 109 [Member Bills]

1. A member of the Assembly shall have the right to initiate bills.
2. No bill initiated by a member and rejected by the National Assembly may be re-introduced during the same session.

Article 110 [Indemnity]

A member of the National Assembly shall be free to express any views or opinions in the Assembly or in its committees. Under no circumstances shall he be held liable in respect thereof.

Article 111 [Immunity]

Except in cases of flagrante delicto, no measures of inquiry, search, arrest, detention, or any other penal measure may be taken against a member while the Assembly is in session, except with the authorization of the Assembly. The Assembly shall be notified of any penal measure that may be taken during its session in accordance with the foregoing provision. The Assembly shall always at its first meeting the notified of any such measure taken against any of its members while it was not sitting. In all cases, if the Assembly does not give a decision regarding a request for authorization within one month from the date of its receipt, permission shall be deemed to have been given.

Article 112 [Assembly Discussions]

Upon a request signed by five members, any subject of general interest may be put to the National Assembly for discussion with a view to securing clarification of the Government's policy and to exchanging views thereon. All other members shall also have the right to participate in the discussion.

Article 113 [Assembly Requests]

The National Assembly may express to the Government wishes regarding public matters. If the Government cannot comply with these wishes, it shall state to the Assembly the reasons therefore. The Assembly may comment once on the Government's statement.

Article 114 [Committees of Inquiry]

The National Assembly shall at all times has the right to set up committees of inquiry or to delegate one or more of its members to investigate any matter within its competence. Ministers and all Government officials must produce testimonials, documents, and statements requested from them.

1. The Assembly shall sets up, among its annual standing committees, a special committee to deal.
2. A member of the National Assembly may not interfere with the work of either the Judicial or the Executive Power.

Article 115 [Petition Committee]

1. The Assembly shall sets up, among its annual standing committees, a special committee to deal with petitions and complaints submitted to the Assembly by citizens. The committee shall seek explanation thereon from the competent authorities and shall inform the person concerned of the result.
2. A member of the National Assembly may not interfere with the work of either the Judicial or the Executive Power.

Article 116 [Governmental Right to Speek]

The Prime Minister and Ministers shall be given the floor whenever they ask for it. They may call for assistance upon any senior officials or depute them to speak on their behalf. The Assembly may ask for a Minister to be present whenever a matter relating to his ministry is order discussion. The Cabinet shall be represented in the sittings of the Assembly by the Prime Minister or by some Ministers.

Article 117 [Standing Orders, Duty to Presence]

The National Assembly shall lay down its standing orders which shall include the procedure of the Assembly and its committees and the rules pertaining to discussion, voting, questions, interpellation, and all other functions prescribed in the Constitution. The standing orders shall prescribe the sanctions to be imposed on any member who violates order or absents himself from the meetings of the Assembly or the committees without a legitimate excuse.

Article 118 [Order in the Assembly, No Presence of Forces]

1. The Maintenance of order in the National Assembly shall be the responsibility of its President. The Assembly has a special guard under the authority of the President of the Assembly.

Article 119 [Remuneration]

The remuneration of the President of the National Assembly, the Deputy President, and the Members shall be fixed by law. In the event of a modification of the said remuneration, such modification shall not take effect until the next legislative term.

Article 120 [Incompatibilities]

1. Membership of the National Assembly shall be incompatible with public office except in the cases where compatibility is permitted in accordance with the Constitution. In such cases, the right to the remuneration for membership and the right to the salary of the public office shall not be cumulated.
2. The law shall specifies other cases of incompatibility.

Article 121 [Economic Incompatibility]

1. During his mandate, a member of the National Assembly shall not be appointed on the board of directors of a company, nor shall he participate in concessions granted by the Government or by public bodies.
2. Further, during the said mandate, he shall not buy or rent any property of the State, nor shall he let, sell, or barter any of his property to the Government, except by public auction or tender, or in compliance with the system of compulsory acquisition.

Article 122 [No Decorations]

During their mandate, members of the National Assembly with the exception of those occupying a public office not incompatible with the membership of the National Assembly, may not be awarded decorations.

Article 123 [Council of Ministers]

The Council of Ministers shall have control over the departments of the State. It shall formulate the general policy of the Government, pursue its execution, and supervise the conduct of work in Government departments.

Article 124 [Remuneration of Government]

1. A law shall determine the remuneration of the Prime Minister and the Ministers.
2. All other provisions regarding Ministers shall apply to the Prime Minister unless otherwise stated.

Article 125 [Qualifications of Ministers]

A Minister shall satisfy the qualifications laid down in Article 82 of this constitution.

Article 126 [Oath of Ministers]

Before assuming office, the Prime Minister and Ministers shall take before the Amir the Oath specified in Article 91 of this constitution..

Article 127 [Supervision by Prime Minister]

The Prime Minister shall preside over the meetings of the Council of Ministers and supervise the co-ordination of work among the various ministries.

Article 128 [Secrecy, Quorum, Majority, Co-operation, Submission]

1. Deliberations of the Council of Ministers shall be secret. Re-solutions shall be passed only when the majority of its members are present and with the approval of the majority of those present. In case of an equal division of votes, that side on which the Prime Minister has voted shall prevail.
2. Unless they resign, the minority shall abide by the opinion of the majority.
3. Resolutions of the Council of Ministers shall be submitted to the Amir for approval in cases where the issue of a decree is required.

Article 129 [Government Follows Prime Minister]

The resignation of the Prime Minister or his removal from office shall involve the resignation or removal of all other Ministers.

Article 130 [Ministries, Directives]

Every Minister shall supervise the affairs of his ministry and shall execute therein the general policy of the Government. He shall also formulates directives for the ministry and supervises their execution.

Article 131 [Immunities of Ministers]

1. While in office, a Minister shall not hold any other public office or practice, even indirectly, any profession, or undertake any industrial, commercial, or financial business. Further, he shall not participate in any concession granted by the Government or by public bodies or cumulate the ministerial post with membership of the board of directors of any company.
2. Further, during the said period, a Minister shall not buy or take on hire any property of the State even by public auction, nor shall he let, sell, or barter any of his property to the Government.

Article 132 [Ministerial Offences and Indictment]

A special law shall define the offences which may be committed by Ministers in the performance of their duties, and shall specify the procedure for their indictment and trial and the competent authority for the said trial, without affecting the application of other laws to their ordinary acts or offences and to the civil liability arising therefrom.

Article 133 [Self-Government]

Law shall regulates general and municipal self-governing bodies in such a way as to ensure their independence under the direction and supervision of the Government.

(Section II Financial Affairs)

Article 134 [Establishing Taxes]

No general tax may be established, amended, or abolished except by a law. No one may be exempted, wholly or partially, from the payment of such taxes except in the cases specified by law. No one may be required to pay any other tax, fee, or imposition except within the limits of law.

Article 135 [Funds]

Law shall prescribe rules for the collection of public funds and the procedure for their expenditure.

Article 136 [Public Loans]

Public loans shall be concluded by a law. The Government may grant or guarantee a loan by a law, or within the limits of the funds appropriated for the said purpose in the budget.

Article 137 [Loans of Self-Governing Bodies]

Public institutions and local public legal entities may grant or guarantee loans accordance with the law.

Article 138 [State Properties]

Law shall lay down rules for the protection of State properties, their administration, the conditions of their disposal, and the limits within which any of these properties may be relinquished.

Article 139 [Financial Year]

The financial year shall be fixed by law.

Article 140 [Annual Budget]

The Government shall draw up the annual budget, comprising the revenue and expenditure of the State, and submit it to the National Assembly for examination and approval at least two months before the end of each current financial year.

Article 141 [Budget Discussion, Purpose]

1. The budget shall be discussed in the National Assembly part by part.
2. None of the public revenues may be allocated for a specific purpose except by law.

Article 142 [Specific Funds]

Law may appropriate Specific funds for more than one year if the nature of the expenditure so requires, provided that each budget shall include the funds allocated for that year, or alternatively, an extra-ordinary budget covering more than one financial year shall be drawn up.

Article 143 [No Tax Inclusion]

The budget law may not include any provisions establishing a new tax, increasing an existing tax, amending an existing law, or evading the issue of a special law on a matter in respect of which the Constitution provides that a law should be issued.

Article 144 [Budget by Law]

The budget shall be issued by a law.

Article 145 [Continuing Budget]

1. If the budget law has not been promulgated before the beginning of the financial year, the preceding budget shall be applied until the new one is issued and revenues shall be collected and disbursements made in accordance with laws in force at the end of the preceding year.

Article 146 [Changes of Budget]

Any expenditure not included in the budget, or in excess of the budget appropriations, as well as the transfer of any fund from one part of the budget to another, shall be effected by law.

Article 147 [Maximum Expenditure]

Ion no case shall the maximum estimate of expenditure, included in the budget law or the laws amending it, be exceeded.

Article 148 [General Budgets]

Law shall specify the general budgets, both independent and annexed, to which the provisions regarding the budget of the State shall be applied.

Article 149 [Final Accounts]

The final accounts of the financial administration of the State for the preceding year shall be submitted, within four months following the end of the said year, to the National Assembly for consideration and approval.

Article 150 [Statement of Government]

The government shall submit to the National Assembly, at least once during each ordinary session, a statement upon the financial position of the State.

Article 151 [Audit Commission]

A financial control and audit commission shall be established by a law, which shall ensures its independence. The commission shall be attached to the National Assembly and shall assists the government and the National Assembly in controlling the collection of the State revenues and the disbursement of its expenditures within the limits of the budget. The commission shall submit to both the Government and the National Assembly an annual report on its activities and its observations.

Article 152 [Natural Resources]

No concession for exploitation of either a natural resource or a public service may be granted except by a law and for a limited period. In this respect, the preparatory measures shall facilitate the operations of prospecting and exploration and ensure publicity and competition.

Article 153 [Monopoly]

No monopoly shall be granted except by a law and for a limited period.

Article 154 [Currency, Banking, Standards]

Law shall regulate currency and banking and determine standards, weights and measures.

Article 155 [Pensions]

Law shall regulate salaries, pensions, compensation, subsidies, and gratuities which are a charge on the State treasury.

Article 156 [Local Budgets]

Law shall lay down Provisions relating to the budgets and the final accounts of local bodies and authorities which have a public legal personality are determined by law.

(Section III Military Affairs)

Article 157 [Peace, State Integrity]

Peace is the aim of the State, and the safeguard of the integrity of the Country, which is part of the integrity of the Greater Arab World, is a trust devolving upon every citizen.

Article 158 [Military Service]

Military service is regulated by law.

Article 159 [Establishment of Armed Forces]

The State alone may establish armed forces and public security bodies and that in accordance with law.

Article 160 [Mobilization]

Mobilization, general or partial, are regulated by law.

Article 161 [Supreme Defence Council]

A Supreme Defence Council is set up to conduct affairs relating to defence, to the safeguard of the integrity of the Country, and to the supervision of the armed forces, in accordance with law.

Article 174 [Amendments of the Constitution]

Either The Amir or one-third of the members of the National Assembly have the right to propose a revision of the Constitution by amending or deleting one or more of its provisions or by adding new provisions.

If the Amir and the majority of the members constituting the National Assembly approve the principle of revision and its subject matter, the Assembly shall debate the bill article by article. Approval by a two-thirds majority vote of the members constituting the Assembly shall be required for the bill to be passed.

The revision shall come into force only after being sanctioned and promulgated by the Amir regardless of the provisions of Articles 65 and 66.

If the principle of revision or its subject matter is rejected, it shall not be presented again before the lapse of one year from the rejection.

No amendment to this Constitution may be proposed before the lapse of five years from its coming into force.

Article 175 [Limits to Constitutional Amendments]

The provisions relating to the Amiri System in Kuwait and the principles of liberty and equality, provided for in this Constitution, may not be proposed for revision except in relation to the title of the Emirate or to increase the guarantees of liberty and equality.

Article 176 [Powers of the Amir]

The powers of the Amir, specified in this Constitution, may not be proposed for revision when a Deputy Amir is acting for him.

Article 177 [Continuation of Treaties]

The application of this Constitution shall not affect treaties and conventions previously concluded by Kuwait with other States and international organizations.

Article 178 [Publication of Laws]

Laws shall be published in the Official Gazette within two weeks of their promulgation and shall come into force one month after their publication. The latter period may be extended or reduced for any law by a special provision included in it.

Article 179 [Retroactive Laws]

The laws shall apply to that which takes place after the date of their coming into force, and thus shall have no effect in respect of what has taken place before such date. However, in other than penal matters, a law may, with the approval of a majority vote of the members constituting the National Assembly, prescribe otherwise.

Article 180 [Continuation of Laws]

All provisions of laws, regulations, decrees, orders, and decisions, in effect upon the coming into force of this Constitution, continue to be applicable unless amended or repealed in accordance with the procedure prescribed in this Constitution, provided that they are not contrary to any of its provisions.

Article 181 [No Suspension of Constitution]

No provision of this Constitution may be suspended except when Martial Law is in force and within the limits specified by the law. Under no circumstances may the meetings of the National Assembly be suspended, nor shall the immunities of its members be interfered with during such period.

Article 182 [Publication, Enforcement]

This Constitution shall be published in the Official Gazette and comes into force on the date of the meeting of the National Assembly which shall not be later than January 1963.

Article 183 [Continuing Assembly]

Law Number I of 1962 concerning the system of Government during the period of transition continues to be in force, and the present members of the Constituent Assembly continue in the exercise of their duties specified in the said law, until the meeting of the National Assembly.