The Presidency of the European Union congratulates the State of Kuwait on having held the first parliamentary elections with the participation of women on June 29, 2006. The fact that women who make up more than 50% of the population were for the first time able to vote and to be elected to Kuwait's National Assembly marked a historic step in the development and promotion of democracy.
The high turn-out of voters including women voters is an encouraging sign for political life in Kuwait and the region.