MUSCAT, JUNE 9
The Ministry of Interior has called on eligible citizens to register in the electoral register for the Municipal Councils elections, underscoring the register's role as a cornerstone of the electoral process and an essential tool for ensuring broad public participation in local governance.
Malik bin Mohammed al Hinai, Head of Electronic Electoral Programmes and Systems at the Electoral Affairs Department of the Ministry of Interior, said that the electoral register contains the data of eligible voters and their designated polling centres, serving as the primary reference for organising and administering elections efficiently and transparently.
Speaking on the importance of voter registration, Al Hinai noted that citizens wishing to participate in the upcoming Municipal Councils elections are encouraged to register their details through the ministry's electronic platforms to secure their eligibility to vote on the designated polling day.
"The electoral register is a vital component of the electoral process as it includes voters' information and their assigned polling locations. We encourage all eligible citizens to take the initiative and register through the electronic portal so they can participate in the voting process," he said.
He highlighted the ministry's continued efforts to simplify electoral procedures through digital solutions, enabling citizens who meet the legal requirements to complete registration quickly and conveniently.
Eligible voters can access the online registration platform using either their civil identification number or an authenticated mobile number. Once logged in, their personal information and electoral data linked to their registered wilayat will automatically appear, allowing them to complete the registration process in less than a minute.
Al Hinai also pointed to the 'Intikhab' mobile application, available across major smartphone operating systems, as one of the ministry's key digital services. The application provides a range of election-related services, including voter registration, access to electoral information and other services designed to facilitate citizen engagement in the electoral process.
"The ministry is committed to leveraging technology to make electoral services more accessible and user-friendly. Through both the online portal and the Intikhab application, citizens can easily register and verify their electoral information from anywhere and at any time," he said.
Emphasising the significance of voter registration, Al Hinai described enrolment in the electoral register as a fundamental step in enabling citizens to play an active role in the democratic process and contribute to the development of their local communities.
He explained that Municipal Councils serve as an important platform for discussing developmental priorities, public services and community needs across the Sultanate of Oman's governorates and wilayats. As such, citizens' participation in electing council members contributes directly to strengthening local governance and supporting sustainable development efforts.
Regarding eligibility requirements, Al Hinai stated that voters must be at least 21 years old during the election year and fulfil all legal conditions stipulated under the electoral regulations. He urged citizens to ensure that their information is registered and updated within the specified timeframe to avoid missing the opportunity to participate.
The official also reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to safeguarding voter information and maintaining the highest standards of data protection. He noted that the electronic systems supporting electoral services have been developed using approved software solutions and advanced security measures designed to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of voter data.
Al Hinai called on all citizens who meet the eligibility criteria to complete their registration before the deadline and actively participate in the Municipal Councils elections. He also encouraged members of the public to contribute ideas and proposals that support the development of municipal services and community initiatives.
He noted that broad participation in the electoral process reflects citizens' commitment to national development and civic responsibility, while supporting the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which places strong emphasis on community engagement, effective governance and sustainable development.
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