Letter from Oman: Omanis prepare for a new parliamentary era

Oman jealously guards its age-old culture but at the same time makes no compromise in keeping pace with modernisation.

The reforms continue in different sectors, including education. The involvement of citizens in the development of the country is encouraged and thus from this year the leadership has opened up the electoral system.

Every Omani above the age of 21 is now eligible to vote in the elections for the fifth term of the Majlis Al Shura (Parliament) on October 2. Earlier, only 25 per cent of a wilayat's population cast votes and the voters were nominated.

With only 106 days to go for the first free elections, the fever is gradually growing. The initial list of candidates contesting the results has been announced and 584, including 16 women, have filed their nominations. These names will be put up in public places for citizens to view.

The Interior Ministry will then hear objections against any candidate for five days. Those who submit objections against a person contesting elections will have to give his reasons. A committee in each wilayat will study the objections before taking any decision. A person whose candidature is rejected can file a petition demanding the reasons for the action.

An air of expectancy is being felt among voters as well as candidates as 820,000 Omani citizens, out of the total population of one million and 960,000, get ready to pick their first truly elected representatives. There are 83 seats in the 12-year old Majlis Al Shura and after the voting the number of women is expected to rise from the current three.

The Interior Ministry has accepted the task of making the elections a grand success in earnest. A team team formed to create awareness has been visiting government departments, institutes and other places to underline the importance of the free elections.

The final list of candidates will come after a week or so but it will not be surprising if the younger generation dominates the candidates because they form more than 60 per cent of the country's population.

Therefore, it is pertinent that the younger generation take an active interest in the electoral system and make the Majlis a stronger institute. Most youngsters are excited about choosing their representatives.

The government has ruled out outside observers while pledging free and fair elections to the Majlis Al Shura.

So the countdown has began for a new dawn in Oman's electoral system.