SNAP ANALYSIS - Kuwait elections may not end political deadlock

KUWAIT (Reuters) - Kuwaiti women won four seats in parliament in Saturday's election while Sunni Islamists lost some ground, but analysts say the changes are not enough to end a political tussle that has delayed economic reform.

Here are some possible implications and outcomes of the elections:

WHAT DO THE RESULTS MEAN?

* The first test for the new assembly will be its vote on a $5 billion (3 billion pounds) stimulus package to help the financial sector overcome the global economic crisis. The plan was approved by the cabinet and ruler in the absence of a parliament but must be put before the new assembly when it convenes. Some political analysts say parliament is likely to approve the plan as implementation is already under way. Others caution that approval should not be taken for granted as lawmakers still have the right to reject the plan.

* The ability of the new parliament to frustrate the measures will depend to a large extent on the composition of the new cabinet and its ability to work with the assembly and push for reforms.

* Analysts say women's entry into parliament and an increase in Shi'ite Muslim representation in the new assembly are not enough to end a tussle with the government that has delayed the economic reforms.

* Sunni Islamists won around 11 seats, down from about 21 in the last assembly, while liberals won about eight seats, up from around seven last year. Lawmakers representing the Shi'ite community, which comprises a third of Kuwait's population, rose by around four to nine. Most of the rest of the seats were won by MPs from tribal areas, many of whom are conservative and oppose the government's efforts to trim back the welfare state.

* Some political observers say tensions might flare up again as many of the same Islamists and tribesmen are back.

* As political parties are banned in Kuwait, lawmakers can easily shift alliances depending on the issue at stake, making it difficult to predict how the new assembly is likely to work with the government. Liberal lawmakers have also often opposed major government projects and reforms and some tribesmen are also Islamists, which makes it difficult to define any changes.

* Deputies have in the past focussed on questioning ministers over alleged corruption or policy misconduct. The government, which includes members of the ruling family, balks at allowing ministers to be questioned.

* Analysts say the appointment of a strong prime minister and cabinet that can work with parliament to push through economic measures is key to solving Kuwait's political crisis.

WHAT'S NEXT?

* The ruler, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, who has the last say in politics, will appoint a prime minister who will then form a new cabinet. A new assembly is required to meet within two weeks after elections. Traditionally, a new cabinet is formed during that time.

* Some analysts say the ruler could reappoint his nephew, Sheikh Nasser al-Mohammad al-Sabah who has headed the last five cabinets in the last three years. This would raise the chances of renewed tensions and fail to put an end to the crisis.

* Some lawmakers and media have suggested that the ruler may return to an old habit of appointing the crown prince as prime minister. Analysts say this would ease tensions as lawmakers are less likely to question the crown prince out of respect for his position as future ruler. But they could still pile pressure on his cabinet.

* According to some media reports, however, the crown prince may not be interested in accepting the post.

WHAT IS AT STAKE?

* The last cabinet resigned in March to prevent lawmakers from questioning Sheikh Nasser. The same issue might arise if he is named prime minister again.

* Apart from the stimulus package, the new parliament will have several delayed bills and projects to decide on. This includes a bill to launch a financial regulator to bring more transparency to the Arab world's second-largest bourse.

* Sunni Islamist deputies have for long opposed the involvement of foreign companies in the vital energy sector. Project Kuwait, a plan to pump more oil from northern fields to boost output capacity, has never made it beyond committee level because of parliament opposition. The multi-billion-dollar project has been on hold for over a decade.

* Kuwait cancelled a $15 billion tender to build a fourth refinery after opposition by deputies, citing alleged tender violations. Kuwait said it had not cancelled the project, but did not say when it will reissue a new tender. The new cabinet and parliament are to decide on the fate of the project.

(Reporting by Rania El Gamal; Editing by Diana Abdallah)