Kuwait's conservative tribes make gains in parliamentary elections

KUWAIT CITY, Kuwait – Results from Kuwait's parliamentary elections show conservative candidates from the country's traditional tribes making gains.

The vote comes amid escalating political showdowns in the oil-rich Gulf nation. The tribal bloc, which took at least 10 seats in the 50-member parliament, could side with Islamists leading the opposition to the Western-backed ruling family. They also will likely oppose liberals on social issues.

But Sunday's count suggests pro-government lawmakers are still expected to dominate the new chamber — Kuwait's third parliament in 17 months.

The election was called after a court invalidated the previous parliament over technical flaws in elections last December.

Turnout in Saturday's election was reported at 60 percent, suggesting a boycott effort by Islamist-led opposition groups faltered.

Kuwait has the most politically powerful parliament in among Gulf Arab states.