Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
b . No, existing regional/provincial/other boundaries are used
Comments: Oman is divided into 11 governorates (muhafazat), each further subdivided into smaller wilayats (districts), administered by local governors.
The Shura Council should consist of elected members and represent all wilayats of the Sultanate.
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011, art. 58 (bis 8): http://www.omantribune.com/index.php?page=news_main_page&id=1772 (2013);
ROYAL DECREE NO. 86/97 On the Formation of The Council of Oman,art. 21: http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/83508/92277/F2092950230/OMN83508.pdf (1997)
https://tranio.com/articles/oman-regions/
Oman Consultative Council: http://archive.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2378_B.htm
Constitution of Oman (1996) with Amendments through 2011: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Oman_2011.pdf?lang=en
Verified: 2025/04/29
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments: The Shura Council should consist of elected members and represent all wilayats of the Sultanate. The number of Shura Council members identified should be according to the population of the wilayats.
The wilayat which has a population of less than 30,000 will get one representative and the wilayats which have population of over 30,000 will have two representatives.
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011, art. 58 (bis 8): http://www.omantribune.com/index.php?page=news_main_page&id=1772 (2013);
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Oman_2011.pdf?lang=en (2019)
ROYAL DECREE NO. 86/97 On the Formation of The Council of Oman, art. 21 (a, b): http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/83508/92277/F2092950230/OMN83508.pdf (1997)
Verified: 2025/04/29
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments: The Shura Council should consist of elected members and represent all wilayats of the Sultanate. The number of Shura Council members identified should be according to the population of the wilayats.
The wilayat which has population of less than 30,000 will get one representative and the wilayats which have population of over 30,000 will have two representatives.
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011, art. 58 (bis 8): http://www.omantribune.com/index.php?page=news_main_page&id=1772 (2013);
ROYAL DECREE NO. 86/97 On the Formation of The Council of Oman, art. 21 (a, b): http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/83508/92277/F2092950230/OMN83508.pdf (1997)
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Oman_2011.pdf?lang=en (2019)
Verified: 2025/04/29
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
g . Inherited monarchy
Comments: The system of government is an hereditary Sultanate in which succession passes to a male descendant of Sayyid Turki bin Said bin Sultan. It is a condition that the male who is chosen to rule should be an adult Muslim of sound mind and a legitimate son of Omani Muslim parents (Art 5). The Sultan is the Head of State and the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. His person is inviolable and must be respected and his orders must be obeyed. The Sultan is the symbol of national unity as well as its guardian and defender (Art 41).
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011, art. 5, 41: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Oman_2011.pdf?lang=en
Verified: 2025/04/30
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: The Sultan presides over the Council of Ministers and he may appoint a Prime Minister. However, at the moment he is both the head of state and the head of government (since July 1972).
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011, art. 42, 48:
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Oman_2011.pdf?lang=en
Verified: 2025/04/30
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: The head of state is the Sultan.
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011, art. 41 - 43: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Oman_2011.pdf?lang=en
Verified: 2025/04/30
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
b . Two chambers
Comments: The Council of Oman consists of the Shura Council and the State Council.
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011, art. 58: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Oman_2011.pdf?lang=en
Verified: 2025/04/30
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
a . Plurality (FPTP)
Comments: Those who acquire the highest number of votes shall be representatives of their respective wilayats (districts).
Source: ROYAL DECREE NO. 86/97 On the Formation of The Council of Oman, art. 21 (c): http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/83508/92277/F2092950230/OMN83508.pdf (1997)
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Oman_2011.pdf?lang=en
Verified: 2025/04/30
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution c . Decree d . Regulations or administrative rules
Comments:
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011 (2013)
ROYAL DECREE NO. 86/97 On the Formation of The Council of Oman (2011): http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/83508/92277/F2092950230/OMN83508.pdf
Oman's Constitution of 1996 with Amendments through 2011:
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Oman_2011.pdf?lang=en
Verified: 2025/05/02
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections
Comments:
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011 (2013): https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/oman_basic_statute_of_the_state_2011-english.pdf
ROYAL DECREE NO. 86/97 On the Formation of The Council of Oman (1997):
https://natlex.ilo.org/dyn/natlex2/natlex2/files/download/83508/OMN83508.pdf
Verified: 2025/05/02
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments:
Source: Inter-parliamentary Union: "OMAN Majles A'Shura (2019) (Consultative Council)" Legal Framework http://www.ipu.org/parline/reports/2378.htm
http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/83508/92277/F2092950230/OMN83508.pdf
Verified: 2025/05/02
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
b . EMB
Comments: A Supreme Committee with independence and neutrality will supervise the Shura Council election and take decisions on election complaints. Each candidate has the right to contest the validity of the voting/elections results and shall submit his/her contest to the Central Elections Committee within five days from the date of declaration of results at the Wali's Office. The contest application should include reasons and justifications upon which he/she has based his/her contest. The committee shall look into the contest and evaluate it and submit a report on the contest to the Minister of Interior, who will issue a decision / judgment on this contest. His decision is final in this regard.
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011, (2013), art. 58 (bis 14): https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/oman_basic_statute_of_the_state_2011-english.pdf
http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/83508/92277/F2092950230/OMN83508.pdf
Verified: 2025/05/02
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level
Comments: A Supreme Committee with independence and neutrality will supervise the Shura Council election and take decisions on election complaints
Article 1. […] The Supreme Committee for elections: the Committee which supervises the Elections of the members of the Shura Council, and adjudicate in electoral appeals
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011, (2013) art. 58 (bis 14): https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/oman_basic_statute_of_the_state_2011-english.pdf
Verified: 2025/05/02
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
d . A national government department
Comments: The Supreme Committee of the Shura Council in Oman is funded by the Omani government. This funding is part of the broader state budget, which includes allocations for various governmental bodies and committees. The committee operates under the financial and administrative independence of the Shura Council.
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011, art. 58 (bis 14): http://www.omantribune.com/index.php?page=news_main_page&id=1772 (2013)
https://timesofoman.com/article/109676-shura-council-discusses-report-on-state-draft-budget-2022
Verified: 2025/05/02
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: Supreme Committee for Elections.
Supreme Committee for Elections supervises only the elections of members of the Shura Council. The municipal elections are administered by another committee.
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011, art. 58 (bis 14): https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Oman_2011.pdf?lang=en
Verified: 2025/05/02
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: Clause 11: The term of the Shura Council is four calendar years starting from the date of its first meeting. Elections for the new council are held within the ninety days preceding the end of this term. If elections are not held at the end of the council's term or are delayed for any reason, the council remains in place until the new council is elected. The council's term can only be extended by necessity and by royal decree, not exceeding one session.
Source: Basic Statute of the State and the Internal Regulations of Majlis a Shura art. 58(11)
https://www.oman.om/docs/default-source/default-document-library/the-basic-statute-of-the-state-and-the-internal-regulation-of-majlis-a-shura--ar-min.pdf?sfvrsn=3319f245_6
Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011, art. 58 (bis 14): http://www.omantribune.com/index.php?page=news_main_page&id=1772 (2013)
Verified: 2025/05/02
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments: The law specifies that the Central Election Committee is independent and neutral.
Supreme Committee for Elections
Article 1. […] The supreme committee for elections: the committee which supervises the Elections of the members of the Shura Council, and adjudicate in electoral appeals
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011, art. 58 (bis 14):
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Oman_2011.pdf?lang=en
Verified: 2025/05/02
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
f . No information available
Comments: Article 1. […] The supreme committee for elections: the committee which supervises the Elections of the members of the Shura Council, and adjudicate in electoral appeals
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011, art. 58 (bis 14): https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Oman_2011.pdf?lang=en
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/235/54
Verified: 2025/05/02
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
d . Not Applicable
Comments: In Oman, the members of the Supreme Committee of the Shura Council are appointed by the Sultan.
The Central Election Committee shall be chaired by one of the Vice-Presidents of the Supreme Court. The local committee shall be headed by the Wali of the respective Wilayat with the membership of the Shariah Judge of the respective Wilayat, the Deputy Wali or his assistant, the most Senior Police Officer in the respective Wilayat and four other members from the heads of Government agencies in the respective Wilayat, provided that the Magistrate Court judge is among them (in case there is a Magistrate Court in the respective Wilayat). Members of the committee should be Omani, competitive and do not belong / come from the respective Wilayat originally. The Chairman of Committee shall appoint a coordinator / secretary for the committee from his own office staff.
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011, (2013) art. 58 (bis 14): https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/oman_basic_statute_of_the_state_2011-english.pdf
Article 1. […] The supreme committee for elections: the committee which supervises the Elections of the members of the Shura Council, and adjudicate in electoral appeals
Verified: 2025/05/02
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
i . Other
Comments: In Oman, the members of the Supreme Committee of the Shura Council are appointed by the Sultan.
The local committees shall be headed by the Wali of the respective Wilayat with the membership of the Shariah Judge of the respective Wilayat, the Deputy Wali or his assistant, the most Senior Police Officer in the respective Wilayat and four other members from the heads of Government agencies in the respective Wilayat, Provided that the Magistrate Court judge is among them (in case there is a Magistrate Court in the respective Wilayat). Members of the committee should be Omani, competitive and do not belong / come from the respective Wilayat originally. The Chairman of Committee shall appoint a coordinator / secretary for the committee from his own office staff.
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011, (2013) art. 58 (bis 14): https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/oman_basic_statute_of_the_state_2011-english.pdf
https://levant24.com/news/2021/09/the-supreme-committee-for-the-elections-explains-process/
Verified: 2025/05/02
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body
Comments: The Supreme Committee for Elections
"The Sultanate of Oman’s Ministry of Interior has issued a decision specifying the rules, means, procedures, and fees for election campaigns devised by members of the Shura Council and members of Municipal Councils."
Source: https://oerlive.com/news/here-are-the-rules-for-campaigners-to-follow-during-elections-in-oman/
Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011: https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/oman_basic_statute_of_the_state_2011-english.pdf
ROYAL DECREE NO. 86/97 On the Formation of The Council of Oman (1997):
https://natlex.ilo.org/dyn/natlex2/r/natlex/fe/details?p3_isn=83508
For the https://shura2019.elections.om/
Verified: 2025/05/06
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
d . No information available
Comments:
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011: https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/oman_basic_statute_of_the_state_2011-english.pdf
ROYAL DECREE NO. 86/97 On the Formation of The Council of Oman (1997):
https://natlex.ilo.org/dyn/natlex2/r/natlex/fe/details?p3_isn=83508
Verified: 2025/05/06
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
a . No m . No information available
Comments:
Source: National Strategy for Education 2040 (2018), Part 2, Strategy 3, Recommendation 28:
https://www.educouncil.gov.om/downloads/Ts775SPNmXDQ.pdf
Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011: https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/oman_basic_statute_of_the_state_2011-english.pdf
ROYAL DECREE NO. 86/97 On the Formation of The Council of Oman (1997):
https://natlex.ilo.org/dyn/natlex2/r/natlex/fe/details?p3_isn=83508
Verified: 2025/05/06
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
f . 21
Comments:
Source: Inter-parliamentary Union: "OMAN Majles A'Shura (Consultative Council)"(2015) Legal Framework http://www.ipu.org/parline/reports/2378.htm
Verified: 2025/05/06
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship d . Naturalization
Comments: - Omani nationality (including naturalized Omanis);
- Age: 21 years and over;
- No restrictions based on gender, race, education, or social status;
- Registration in the national electoral register.
Disqualifications:
- Membership of military bodies or security apparatus, unless one year has passed since retirement or resignation at the time of registration.
Source: Inter-parliamentary Union: "OMAN Majles A'Shura (Consultative Council)" (2015) Legal Framework http://www.ipu.org/parline/reports/2378.htm
Verified: 2025/05/06
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: Supreme Committee for Elections
Source: Inter-parliamentary Union: "OMAN Majles A'Shura (Consultative Council)" (2015) Legal Framework http://www.ipu.org/parline/reports/2378.htm
Verified: 2025/05/06
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Inter-parliamentary Union: "OMAN Majles A'Shura (Consultative Council)" (2014) Legal Framework http://www.ipu.org/parline/reports/2378.htm
Verified: 2025/05/06
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments: Candidates are independent, there are no political parties.
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Oman_2011.pdf?lang=en
ROYAL DECREE NO. 86/97 On the Formation of The Council of Oman (1997): https://natlex.ilo.org/dyn/natlex2/natlex2/files/download/83508/OMN83508.pdf
Verified: 2025/05/06
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship e . Citizenship of parents f . Registration h . Minimum level of education j . Other
Comments: The Shura Council candidate has to meet the following conditions:
> To be of originally Omani nationality.
> To be not less than 30 years old on the date of opening of nomination.
> Should hold an academic degree not less than general certificate.
> He should not been sentenced in a criminal case or in moral turpitude case or even in case of rehabilitation.
> Not affiliated to a security or military authority.
> Not placed under guardianship as per a court judgment.
> Not having a mental disease.
- Omani nationality (including naturalized Omanis);
- Age: 30 years and over;
- Resident of the district (constituency) being run for;
- Good reputation and conduct in the district (constituency);
- Reasonable level of education and culture;
- Reasonable working experience.
Disqualifications:
- Conviction of any offence or crime of dishonesty or honour;
- Insanity.
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011 (2013), art. 58 (bis 10): https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/oman_basic_statute_of_the_state_2011-english.pdf
http://archive.ipu.org/parline/reports/2378.htm
Verified: 2025/05/06
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
c . In legislative elections (Chamber 1)
Comments: They are all independent, political parties are banned.
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011, art. 58 (bis 10): https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Oman_2011.pdf?lang=en
Verified: 2025/05/06
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments: Only independent candidates compete in legislative elections. There are no political parties.
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Oman_2011.pdf?lang=en
ROYAL DECREE NO. 86/97 On the Formation of The Council of Oman: http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/83508/92277/F2092950230/OMN83508.pdf (1997)
Verified: 2025/05/06
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: Only independent candidates compete in legislative elections. There are no political parties.
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Oman_2011.pdf?lang=en
ROYAL DECREE NO. 86/97 On the Formation of The Council of Oman: http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/83508/92277/F2092950230/OMN83508.pdf (1997)
Verified: 2025/05/06
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments: Only independent candidates compete in legislative elections. There are no political parties.
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Oman_2011.pdf?lang=en
ROYAL DECREE NO. 86/97 On the Formation of The Council of Oman: http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/83508/92277/F2092950230/OMN83508.pdf (1997)
Verified: 2025/05/06
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
d . Other
Comments: Voters use the Intakhib app to vote online since 2023.
Source: Inter-parliamentary Union: "OMAN Majles A'Shura (Consultative Council)" Legal Framework (2015)
http://www.ipu.org/parline/reports/2378.htm
Times of Oman
https://timesofoman.com/article/137844-90-elected-for-omans-10th-shura-council-term
Verified: 2025/05/12
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
a . Never recounted
Comments:
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011: http://www.omantribune.com/index.php?page=news_main_page&id=1772 (2013)
Verified: 2025/05/12
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments: Only independent candidates compete in legislative elections. There are no political parties.
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Oman_2011.pdf?lang=en
ROYAL DECREE NO. 86/97 On the Formation of The Council of Oman: http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/83508/92277/F2092950230/OMN83508.pdf (1997)
Verified: 2025/05/12
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
d . No information available
Comments:
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Oman_2011.pdf?lang=en
ROYAL DECREE NO. 86/97 On the Formation of The Council of Oman: http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/83508/92277/F2092950230/OMN83508.pdf (1997)
Verified: 2025/05/12
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
g . No information available
Comments:
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Oman_2011.pdf?lang=en
ROYAL DECREE NO. 86/97 On the Formation of The Council of Oman: http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/83508/92277/F2092950230/OMN83508.pdf (1997)
Verified: 2025/05/12
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments: Only independent candidates compete in legislative elections. There are no political parties.
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Oman_2011.pdf?lang=en
ROYAL DECREE NO. 86/97 On the Formation of The Council of Oman: http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/83508/92277/F2092950230/OMN83508.pdf (1997)
Verified: 2025/05/12
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: The Basic Statute of the State does not establish direct democracy mechanisms like referendums or initiatives; however, it does emphasize the importance of the Shura Council and public participation in governance:
Article 9: States that citizens have the right to participate in public affairs.
Article 58 (bis 36): Allows Majlis Oman to propose draft laws and refer them to the government for review.
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011: https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/oman_basic_statute_of_the_state_2011-english.pdf
Verified: 2025/05/12
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011: https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/oman_basic_statute_of_the_state_2011-english.pdf
Verified: 2025/05/12
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011: https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/oman_basic_statute_of_the_state_2011-english.pdf
Verified: 2025/05/12
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011
https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/oman_basic_statute_of_the_state_2011-english.pdf
Verified: 2025/05/12
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011
https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/oman_basic_statute_of_the_state_2011-english.pdf
Verified: 2025/05/12
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011
https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/oman_basic_statute_of_the_state_2011-english.pdf
Verified: 2025/05/12
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011: hhttps://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Oman_2011.pdf?lang=en
Verified: 2025/05/12
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Oman_2011.pdf?lang=en
Verified: 2025/05/12
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Oman_2011.pdf?lang=en
Verified: 2025/05/12
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
g . By phone j . Other
Comments: Antakhib App:
An application launched by the Ministry of Interior prior to the third term of the elections of the members of the Municipal Councils to be the only official way for voting in the Municipal Council and Shura Council elections, aiming for a better electoral process and effective political participation through giving citizens - inside and outside the Sultanate - the opportunity to cast their votes and choose their representatives easily. The application was first utilized during the General Federation of Oman Workers elections to test its efficiency before being used in the Municipal Council elections for the third term.
Oman introduced e-voting using special smartphone application for voters from abroad in 2019 Shura Council Elections. The application has been used for the 2023 elections as well.
Source: https://www.oman.om/en/home-top-level/eparticipation/e-voting
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=168&database_theme=326
https://timesofoman.com/article/1603117/Oman/Government/Remote-voting-for-Omanis-abroad-in-Majlis-Al-Shura-polls
Inter-parliamentary Union: "OMAN Majles A'Shura (Consultative Council)" Legal Framework http://www.ipu.org/parline/reports/2378.htm (2015)
https://www.omanobserver.om/breaking-oman-majlis-a-shura-polls-date-announced/ (2019)
Verified: 2025/05/12
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
a . Outside the country voting is not permitted b . Citizens residing outside the country
Comments: The Ministry of Interior has announced the launch of a remote voting system for Omanis abroad.
The system will allow citizens who are not in Oman to cast votes in the elections of members of Majlis A’Shura for the 9th Term.
This is intended to facilitate the process of vote casting for such citizens.
With this new system in place there will be no voting centres at some embassies as used to be in the earlier election of Majlis A’Shura.
The new system operates through application for smart mobile phones using SIM cards of telecommunication companies operating in the Sultanate.
These cards must be enhanced with electronic authentication / attestation.
The Ministry at a later stage would clarify aspects and procedures of this system.
The Ministry has urged the voters who would avail from this system to activate the system in their SIM cards.
Source: https://timesofoman.com/article/1603117/Oman/Government/Remote-voting-for-Omanis-abroad-in-Majlis-Al-Shura-polls
Inter-parliamentary Union: "OMAN Majles A'Shura (Consultative Council)" Legal Framework http://www.ipu.org/parline/reports/2378.htm (2015)
Verified: 2025/05/12
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
a . Embassies f . Other
Comments: The Ministry of Interior has announced the launch of a remote voting system for Omanis abroad.
The new system operates through application for smart mobile phones using SIM cards of telecommunication companies operating in the Sultanate.These cards must be enhanced with electronic authentication / attestation.
Source: https://timesofoman.com/article/1603117/Oman/Government/Remote-voting-for-Omanis-abroad-in-Majlis-Al-Shura-polls
Inter-parliamentary Union: "OMAN Majles A'Shura (Consultative Council)" Legal Framework http://www.ipu.org/parline/reports/2378.htm (2015)
Verified: 2025/05/12
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
d . Electronic voting machine e . Telephone
Comments: - First time that there will be electronic voting machine.
- The new system operates through application for smart mobile phones using SIM cards of telecommunication companies operating in the Sultanate. These cards must be enhanced with electronic authentication / attestation.
(2019)
Source: Inter-parliamentary Union: "OMAN Majles A'Shura (Consultative Council)" Legal Framework http://www.ipu.org/parline/reports/2378.htm (2015)
https://www.omanobserver.om/breaking-oman-majlis-a-shura-polls-date-announced/
https://timesofoman.com/article/1603117/Oman/Government/Remote-voting-for-Omanis-abroad-in-Majlis-Al-Shura-polls
Verified: 2025/05/12
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