KUWAIT CITY, July 6: Religious groups won most of the seats in the Kuwait’s 10th parliamentary elections in the 50-seat parliament.

According to the final result announced late on Saturday night, liberals suffered a major setback by winning only four seats compared to nine in the 1999 parliamentary elections. Islamic groups whose victory was below expectations won 17 seats.

Meanwhile, candidates loyal to the ruling family, including liberals, independents and some religious candidates also won almost 15 seats. Other pro-government politicians, including former legislators and ex-cabinet ministers took nine seats.

In Kuwait there are no political parties, but have six unregistered parties.