The recent announcement of the candidates for the tenth term of the Majlis Ash'shura marks the commencement of the upcoming four-year session. An impressive total of 883 candidates, including 33 women, are running for council seats, representing a substantial increase of 245 candidates compared to previous elections.
This surge in participation and engagement stands as a cornerstone of the State's decision-making process and highlights the importance of embracing this inclusive path to address various demands and bolster the consultative work within the country.
This necessitates a proactive contribution to rendering a successful experiment, which was created to be developed through enhancing sound participation and proper selection of candidates. Such civil experiences are built and advanced by society and citizens in particular when they make precise and correct choices, which requires keen attention.
Undoubtedly, the Sultanate of Oman's democratic experience is gradually advancing based on the evolution of society and national and global factors, and on many fronts represented by numerous civil society organisations.
Our experience is better than that in neighbouring countries. However, some individuals make judgments that undermine the development of their own national experiences by adopting non-scientific criteria and comparisons that are lacking crucial elements that should be taken into account.
At the Majlis Ash’shura, the municipality, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, clubs, organisations, syndicates, and the public is involved in decision-making. Such participation is growing gradually, reflecting the state's climate for participation.
However, the success or failure of this engagement is determined first and foremost by the voter's selection of an acceptable candidate. As a result of this, we cannot improve any democratic experience until we improve the selection process. When individuals improve their engagement in elections, democratic experiences will naturally evolve.
Drafting legislation is one of the most significant tasks of Majlis Ash’shura. We do not request its members for anything other than the Council's aims and terms of reference, since there is a municipal council that plays a different role in furthering developmental and municipal activities, particularly in the provinces, in accordance with the plans that have been established.
Before the elections begin, it is important to emphasize that the person who deserves to be elected to the Majlis Ash’shura is the one who possesses the power of reasoning, argument, and good manners, and who can be entrusted with responsibility with all of its duties and accompanying suffering, and accountability.
As a consequence, we believe that the voter will vote for whoever fits the aforementioned criteria, regardless of tribe, provincialism, or regionalism. In its widest sense, efficiency is what is required and nothing else, and it is the one criterion by which we achieve the hoped-for success.
Candidates in many provinces compete fiercely to obtain the confidence of people to get a seat on the council. However, there are individuals who are more worthy of representation and up to the responsibilities required.
This is something we must remember: we are the ones who choose the members of the council, and we must bear the consequences of our actions, as everyone aspires for a voice and utilizes his abilities and potential.
We hope to witness perfect elections in every manner and to eventually welcome distinguished council members who, within the confines of this institutional framework, perform exemplary parliamentary work that genuinely improves our democratic experience.
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