Oman Shura poll results trickle in

Muscat: As many as 14 candidates were declared elected in the second open election to the Majlis Shura here on Saturday.

Polling for the 84 seats of the Shura was heavy with some government estimates putting it at 70 per cent. Women voters outnumbered men. However, the large turnout of women did not help two-time member Raheela Al Riyami, who lost her seat yesterday.

Earlier in the day, Al Riyami told Gulf News that a heavy turnout of women voters need not translate into a win for women candidates.

One candidate, Ahmad Al Shamshi, was declared elected unopposed in the newly formed Al Shinaina wilayat in Buraimi.

Mubarak Bin Mohammad Al Sahwan polled 451 votes to beat 28 other candidates from a small constituency of Shalim in Halniyat island south of Oman.

In Musandam region neighbouring UAE, 191 votes were enough for Ahmed Bin Abdullah Al Suhi to win the Dibha seat.

One candidate - Abdullah Bin Said Al Maamari - died on the eve of the elections, leaving 631 in the fray for 84 seats.