(Bloomberg) -- Kuwait’s ruler decided to dissolve parliament and call fresh elections, blaming discord between lawmakers and the government for months of political turbulence that have paralyzed policymaking in the OPEC nation. 

The decree to officially disband the National Assembly will be issued in the coming months, Crown Prince Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah said in a televised address made on behalf of his half-brother, Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah. 

Kuwait’s cabinet resigned in April to avert a new push by lawmakers to unseat the prime minister appointed by the Emir. That triggered fresh uncertainty in Kuwait, where elected parliamentarians frequently clash with the government and political gridlock has repeatedly set back economic reforms. 

The latest decision comes only 18 months after the last elections were held. Sheikh Mishaal warned that failure to break the deadlock this time could prompt more drastic measures. He did not say what those could be.

“We’re calling on you not to waste the chance of correcting the path of national participation,” Sheikh Mishaal said. “If we return to the current state, there will be other measures with serious consequences.”

Kuwait Emir Accepts Cabinet Resignation After Weeks of Limbo 

The 18 months since the last parliamentary elections have been among Kuwait’s most uncertain, with economic and other policies hostage to the standoff between elected lawmakers and a government appointed by the ruling Al-Sabah family. 

Political dysfunction in Kuwait has for years plagued its development, deterring foreign investment, thwarting fiscal reform and hindering efforts to diversify the oil-reliant economy. 

(Updates with quotes, background.)

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