Envision a place where voices converge for the nation’s progress. That place stands before you. It is the Consultative Council of Oman. This council is a cornerstone of Omani governance. It reflects the country’s commitment to participatory democracy.
The Consultative Council of Oman is also known as Majlis al-Shura in Arabic. It is the lower house of the Council of Oman. This makes it a vital part of Oman’s bicameral parliament. Unlike the upper house, all members here are democratically elected. This gives the Consultative Council a unique connection to the Omani people.
The Consultative Council of Oman has 90 elected members. Each wilayah, or province, gets representation. Provinces with over 30000 people get two members. Smaller provinces have one representative. Elections are non-partisan. Oman does not allow political parties. Candidates win based on the number of votes they receive.
Before 1981, there was a unicameral legislature. It was called the Majlis al-Shura of the Imamate of Oman. It existed until its dissolution in 1959. The current Consultative Council represents a modern evolution of this earlier body.
The Council of Ministers must refer draft laws to the Consultative Council. The Consultative Council then has three months to approve or amend these laws. After that, the laws go to the State Council. If both chambers disagree, they vote to resolve differences. The Sultan must approve any bill passed by both chambers for it to become law. The assembly can question any of the service ministers.
To become a member of the Consultative Council of Oman, candidates must meet specific requirements. They must be Omani nationals by origin. They must be at least 30 years old. Candidates need a General Education Diploma. A felony conviction disqualifies someone. They must be on the election register. Affiliation with security or military authority is not allowed. Mental illness or judicial interdiction also disqualifies a candidate. Former members can run again after completing their term.
The Council of Oman includes both the State Council and the Consultative Council. It helps the government create state policies. The Sultan can request the Council to meet. They study and discuss matters he raises. Decisions are made by majority vote. The Sultan addresses all council members annually.
In 2009, construction began on the Majlis Oman project. This building houses the parliament assembly hall. It also accommodates the upper and lower houses. Q-dar designed the building. Carillion Alawi built it. The project finished in 2013.
In October 2011, Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said expanded the power of the Council of Oman. The Consultative Council of Oman continues to evolve. It stands as a symbol of Oman’s commitment to progress. It shows their dedication to a more inclusive future. The Consultative Council of Oman embodies the spirit of collaboration. It reflects the voice of the Omani people.