Regional/Cultural Day
Youm al-Dustur
The anniversary of the ratification of the Kuwaiti Constitution in 1962, which established a constitutional monarchy with an elected parliament (the National Assembly, or Majlis al-Umma). The constitution is one of the most progressive in the Gulf, guaranteeing freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom of religion. The National Assembly is the most powerful elected parliament in the Gulf states, with the power to question ministers, approve budgets, and even vote no confidence in individual ministers (though not in the Emir). The day is observed with ceremonies and the reminder that democracy is not just a Western idea. It is a Kuwaiti idea too.
