Constitution Day... A Turning Point in the Democratic Journey

The promulgation of Kuwait’s Constitution on November 11, 1962, marked a pivotal turning point in the country’s democratic journey, particularly when recalling the efforts made by its sons over several decades, beginning with the 1938 Constitutional Document, which paved the way for the birth of the 1962 Constitution.

This anniversary serves as a cherished national occasion, during which Kuwaitis reflect with profound pride and honor on the nation’s immortal historical record, reaffirming their steadfast commitment to a democratic path rich in the enduring principles of justice, freedom, equality, and equal opportunity.

Kuwait commemorates this historic date annually on November 11, marking the moment when the late Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah (may God have mercy on him), approved the 1962 Constitution.

On January 20, 1962, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salim delivered a speech at the opening of the Constituent Assembly, stating: “In the name of Allah, the Most High, the Almighty, we open the sessions of the Constituent Assembly, which bears the responsibility of laying the foundations of governance for the future.”

During that session, members of the Constituent Assembly were elected, and Abdul Latif Mohammed Thunayan Al-Ghanim was elected as the Assembly’s President, with Dr. Ahmed Al-Khatib serving as its Vice President.

The sixth session of the Constituent Assembly saw the formation of the Constitution Committee, comprising five members: Abdul Latif Al-Ghanim; the late Amir, Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah (may God have mercy on him), who was then Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Committee for Drafting the Constitution Project; Minister of Justice Hamoud Al-Zaid Al-Khalid; Yaqoub Yousef Al-Humaidi; and Saud Abdulaziz Al-Abdulrazzaq, both members of the Assembly.

The Committee presented the final draft of the Constitution to the Constituent Assembly, which approved it unanimously during a session held on November 3, 1962. The Assembly then submitted the draft to Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salim, who approved and promulgated it on November 11, 1962, in the form adopted by the Assembly. It was published in the Official Gazette the following day.

Kuwait’s Constitution comprises 183 articles distributed across five chapters: the first covers the State and the system of governance; the second addresses the fundamental pillars of Kuwaiti society; the third outlines general rights and duties; the fourth deals with the branches of government, including five sections: general provisions, Head of State, Legislative Authority, Executive Authority, and Judicial Authority; and the fifth contains general and interim provisions.

Kuwait’s democratic journey has passed through numerous political milestones. Throughout this process, the Constitution has served as an impenetrable fortress against many internal and external challenges, especially during the Iraqi invasion catastrophe in August 1990, when Kuwaitis, both at home and abroad, united under the leadership and the banner of wise governance, standing firm under the umbrella of legitimacy.