The passing of the Father Amir Sheikh Saad was a sad and an unexpected turn in the weekend before the elections on Saturday. I’m sure we were all expecting a very tense last couple of days with intense rallying and campaigning and of course the passing of the Father Amir changed all that.

First, I would like to mention a couple of things since this blog is read by some non-Kuwaitis. Sheikh Saad was the crown prince under the rule of the late Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah who passed away on January 15th, 2006. Because of his health condition, Sheikh Saad could not continue to be the Amir or ruler of Kuwait and was given the title of Father Amir. Sheikh Saad was replaced by Sheikh Sabah.

This event was painful for many Kuwaitis for whom Sheikh Saad was an icon and a respected ruling figure. However, it was the harsh reality of ill health that removed him from his position and something Kuwaitis had expected.

Sheikh Jaber and Sheikh Saad were in power since 1979 and for many people, their passing signifies the end of an era. When someone dies, we are sad about their passing because we will miss them. When public figures die, we are sad because their death takes away a part of our lives and our memories.

Since the news of Sheikh Saad’s passing, all Kuwaiti TV stations and radio stations have been broadcasting Quranic recordings. Government stations will continue to broadcast verses from the Quran for three days. There will be news intervals and this morning the whole burial procession was broadcast on all local stations.

The Father Amir was buried in the usual simple grave with an unadorned cement slab headstone and another of the same towards the feet. After he was buried, pails of stainless steel filled with water were passed around and those around the grave sprinkled water over the freshly covered grave. Those who came to pay their respects at the grave prayed while inside the simple reception hall not far away, members of the Al-Sabah family stood in line to receive those who came to offer their condolences.

There is an official three day mourning period which means everything will be closed for three days. This includes government and private businesses so there are no malls or restaurants open. I guess this has given some people a welcome respite from work and school.

Now the interesting thing is how the parliamentary candidates have handled this. I must have received dozens of sms messages on my mobile phone from candidates expressing their sympathy on the death of the late Sheikh Saad and announcing the cancellation of all further rallies. This was a smart move by those candidates (however annoying to us).

I also noticed the newspapers were emptier this morning of campaign ads but interestingly enough, there were a few ads announcing gatherings/ rallies for tonight - as though nothing had happened. I believe this makes those candidates stand out like sore thumbs and it was not in good taste to continue with their campaigns when most other candidates had declared they were in mourning.

The parliamentary elections will continue as planned on Saturday May 17th. - the big day. Hopefully there will be many stories to tell.