Kuwait votes with turnout key amid opposition boycott

Kuwaitis voted today in the Gulf emirate's second parliamentary election in eight months with a less than moderate turnout after the opposition urged a boycott.
Polling began slowly in the morning but increased slightly later to drop again at around noon.
Turnout in some districts was under 20 per cent by 1100 GMT, according to state-run Kuwait Television.
Turnout was higher in some constituencies, especially in tribal areas, but no official figures were provided.
Polling stations close at 1700 GMT, but the first results are not expected until after 2100 GMT as ballot papers are still counted manually.
Information Minister Sheikh Salman Humoud al-Sabah said after visiting a polling station in Jahra west of Kuwait City that turnout was high.

Besides opposition calls for a boycott, the sweltering heat of around 45 degrees Celsius, combined with Muslim fasting, also apparently contributed to a low turnout.

It was the second time the opposition had called for a boycott in protest at an electoral law that it says enables the ruling Al-Sabah family-controlled government to manipulate the outcome.
The law was ruled legal in June by the constitutional court, even though it dissolved parliament on procedural flaws and ordered today's election.
"I just hope this parliament completes its (four-year) term," said civil aviation employee Bassam Eid, after voting in Al-Qasia.
"We are frustrated at the repeated dissolution of the house," Eid told AFP.

The last two parliaments were dissolved by the constitutional court on procedural grounds, while previous parliaments were dissolved by the emir.
"I am really concerned at the turn of events in the country as there will be no development without political stability which we hope will be achieved after this election," Dr Jawad Abulhassan told AFP.
Some groups that boycotted the last election -- notably the liberal National Democratic Alliance and some of the emirate's powerful tribes -- did take part today.
But only a few opposition members were among the 300 hopeful candidates.
They include eight women, the lowest number since women won political rights in 2005.