The Emir, who is selected by and from members of the ruling Al-Sabah family, holds select executivepower. The Emir assigns a prime minister and a Cabinet of Ministers. A unicameral National Assembly (Majlis al-Umma) with 50 elected members has a consultative role and arranges legislation (although the Emir has the power of veto).
The Majlis serves a 4 year term. The election in 2003 was hugely significant, since it was the 1st to permit adult women to vote and stand for official positions. Political parties are forbidden.
