Government and politics in Oman

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Since taking power in 1970, Sultan Qabus bin Said Al Said personally determined the social and political guidelines for the country's development. His aim was to modernise the country politically without breaking with tradition. Sultan Qaboos ruled with great wisdom and diplomatic prudence. He was one of the few rulers in the world who never abused their power.

When he passed away in January 2020, the Royal Family decided not to elect a successor and decided to open the letters deposited by Sultan Qaboos with the name of his desired successor. Within just 24 hours, the transfer of power to Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said was completed, who promised to continue to lead the country in the spirit of his predecessor.

Constitution: A constitution (Kitab al Abyad) has been in place since 1996. It regulates the responsibilities of the various state bodies and guarantees the freedom, dignity and rights of the individual.

In the 1970s, one of the main domestic political tasks, alongside the development of infrastructure, education and healthcare, was the pacification and integration of tribal interests into the new nation state.

Since the 1990s, the cautious introduction of democratic elements into Oman's political system can be observed. This also includes guiding society towards political co-determination. Although there is still some way to go, this development is unique in the region.

Government: The Sultan is advised by the Council of Ministers, consisting of 30 appointed ministers, who in turn are supported in their work by 41 specialised committees.

Since the mid-1990s, there has been a bicameral parliament, the Majlis Oman (Oman Council), consisting of the Majlis Ad-Dowlah (State Council) and the Majlis Ash-Shura (Consultative Council). The members of the State Council are appointed by the Sultan, while the members of the Consultative Council are elected by the people.

The Consultative Council is financially and administratively independent, has supervisory and monitoring powers, is authorised to co-determine the state budget and to propose legislation. In addition, ministers can be held accountable by the Consultative Council.

All decisions in the Oman Council are made by majority vote, the State Council may not have more members than the Consultative Council.

An additional decentralised body, the Majlis Al Baladija (Municipal Council), was added to this popular representation in 2012. The municipal council consists of a total of 202 administrative councillors, who are freely elected with a few exceptions. They elect the walis (the highest authority of one of the 62 walayats (comparable to districts), which are grouped into 11 administrative districts), decide on local development projects, have budgets and act in an advisory capacity to all higher bodies.

All women and men over the age of 21 have the right to vote and stand for election.