Kuwaitis will go to the polls today for the fourth time in just under six years, reports Kathy Novak.
It's the fourth early poll since 2006 to elect 50 members of the National Assembly.
The Emir will then appoint a prime minister - either keeping the interim PM or selecting someone new, then cabinet will be appointed.
Parliament was dissolved in November after protesters stormed parliament accusing the government of paying MPs for support.
Among the candidates are several women, and all are fighting for a small pool of voters – only about 400,000 out of the more than 3 million people living in Kuwait are eligible to vote.
Political parties are illegal in Kuwait so people often vote along family or tribal lines.
Tensions spilled over earlier this week when one candidate insulted another tribe, and his campaign tent was set on fire.
The following night thousands rallied against the violence. It's uncommon for Kuwaitis to take to the streets to protest, and the incident is seen as a worrying development by the rulers.
Kathy Novak's travel to Kuwait was assisted by the Kuwaiti government.
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