Oman urges voters to select politicians based on merit and not harmful criteria
Oman, Politics, 5/12/2000

Oman called on voters to select in July candidates for its consultative council according to merit and not other tribal factors such as loyalty urging women to participate.

The elections are a testament to the democratic life that has been engendered by Sultan Qaboos who has been recognized for his exceptional efforts to open up the Oman public life to participation by women.

Last month, Sayyid Ali bin Hamoud al Busaidi, Minister of the Interior officially stated "that as from Saturday April the 15th, up to the 30th of the same month, nomination for the 4th term of Majlis Al Shura, was open to interested citizens. He also spoke highly and gratefully of Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who consolidated and made the continuation of Majlis al Shura a common fact, in the daily life of Omani citizens. Al Busaidi said that the number of nominees will rise this year to 175,000 at a percentage of 25% out of the total. 21 year old Omanis and above. Women nomination is also expected to reach up to 30% out of the total number of female nominees. Such increase will be based upon legislative amendments, concerning the practice of Shura, in the Sultanate," official Oman News Agency had said.

But apparently, participation by women is not meeting expectations

Previous Stories:
  First woman ambassador in Oman   (9/16/1999)
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  Oman: A conflict between two parties   (6/25/1999)
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  Oman: a global pacesetter in human development   (10/23/1997)
  Woman in Oman's Shura council   (8/12/1997)

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