Oman - October 2023

Oman conducted general elections on 29 October to elect 90 members to the Majlis Al-Shura Council for its tenth term, spanning 2023 to 2027. There were a total of 843 candidates, including 32 women. The elections saw a record turnout of 65.9 per cent, with more than 753,000 registered voters casting their ballots across the country. The early voting statistics showed a balanced gender participation, with 13.55 per cent male and 10.39 per cent female voters.

The voting process was monitored by Oman's Supreme Committee for Elections to ensure its fairness and transparency. As an absolute monarchy, the elected legislature serves primarily in an advisory capacity. Despite the democratic proceedings, the sultan retains primary power, with political rights and civil liberties remaining limited.

Sources: Government of Oman, Gulf News, Parliamentary Union of Islamic Cooperation, Times of Oman

Oman’s October general elections saw all seats of the Majlis al-Shura, or Omani Consultative Assembly, up for grabs. Voting rights are extended to every Omani citizen above the age of 21, applicable in government elections such as those for the Shura Council and Municipal Council. The elections included the launch of the region’s first mobile app for elections, which contributed to a record voter turnout of 65.9 per cent. It was a significant milestone and featured an audio reading feature and sign language support for the deaf and hard of hearing, along with high-level security measures, serving as an innovative model for other countries aiming to modernize their voting systems.

Sources: Times of Oman, Gulf News, Asharaq Al-Awsat