717 candidates in the fray for Oman advisory council poll

Muscat: Oman's second open elections to the Majlis Al Shura (Advisory Council) will be held on October 27 with 717 candidates in the fray.

The date for the elections was announced on Tuesday evening by the Interior Ministry through a statement released by Oman News Agency.

Being the lone candidate from Al Shinaina province in Buraimi governorate, Ahmad Al Shamshi is likely to be elected unopposed, creating a record in Oman's short election history.

Campaigning

There are 20 women contesting elections this time compared to 15 last time. "I am gearing up for the elections and happy about the new allowances in campaign styles," former journalist and first time candidate Aziza Al Habsi told Gulf News yesterday.

She added that she wasn't exactly ready to launch a campaign. She has pinned her hopes on her popularity as a journalist. "I am known as a journalist so I do have an advantage over some of the other candidates from my constituency Baushar," said Aziza. Mahmoud Sakhi Al Balushi, who lost elections last time had filed his nomination but is having second thoughts.

"I have some business commitments that may keep me out of the country for almost a year, hence I am debating my candidature," he told Gulf News. He said he would withdraw his name from the contest before the deadline of July 31.

He feels there is not much allowance given in campaigning. "Last time we used pamphlets to canvass and this time also we have been allowed only that, but cannot use newspapers to advertise," he pointed out.

He revealed that candidates would be allowed to address gatherings but pre-approval will have to be taken from the ministry. "Candidates still cannot campaign at a club, mosque or other gatherings," he said.

Meanwhile, in a statement to Oman News Agency, a ministry official urged all citizens eligible to vote to complete registration formalities before the end of this month.

Southern region has record number

• Oman's second open elections will be held on October 27 for 83 seats in the Majlis Al Shura (Advisory Council).
• 717 candidates, including 20 women are in the fray for 83 seats from 61 provinces in the country's nine regions.
• A wilayat or province with a population of 30,000 or more sends two representatives to the Council
• Two of the 15 women candidates got elected in 2003 when Oman first held elections for citizens above the age of 21.
• Dhofar Governorate from the southern region has a record number of 174 candidates in the fray while 22 candidates, the least among all regions, are contesting elections in the newly formed Buraimi governorate neighbouring Al Ain.
• Seven women are contesting in Batinah region in the north while six are seeking elections from Muscat governorate.