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Oman set for Majlis A’Shura polls today

27 Oct 2019

Citizens across the country have high hopes from the new Majlis A’Shura members who will be elected on Sunday. Many are keen to see vast improvement in basic services offered.

Muscat Daily spoke to many citizens on how they are excited to be part of this national event. “Shura elections are important for everyone to participate. Majlis A’Shura members contribute to the formulation of policies and plans to implement development projects in the sultanate,” Ali al Shiyadi, a teacher from the wilayat of Rustaq said.

Shiyadi said that he will vote for the candidate who is aware of different aspects of life. “I will vote for someone who has the scientific, political and cultural experience in representing us and realising our ambitions. The basis of choice will be efficiency.”

Adnan al Musallami, too, will be voting for the best candidate from Amerat. “Whoever wins in Amerat, he or she should focus on education and health issues. We lack a proper system of education. There is a need to improve government health services.

“Imagine someone who is sick and gets medical appointments after months. We need a referral hospital in Amerat which will help in reducing hassles of going to Al Nahdha Hospital or Khoula Hospital in Wattayah,” he said.

Nasser al Hosni, a businessman from Sohar, said that the elections are an opportunity to choose a candidate who will represent us for several years. “I will vote today after careful review of the candidates’ agendas. I will choose a candidate who has a good reputation and political experience.”

The number of voters registered in this year’s elections has gone up, according to the Ministry of Interior. There were only 611,906 voters in the 2015 Shura elections but the number this year stands over 700,000.

Mohammed al Balushi, a voter from Seeb, said, “I know Shura candidates have no powers in many issues but at least they carry our messages to the concerned authorities. One of the areas I would like them to improve is healthcare. Shura has become an integral part in improvement of services. We are very hopeful and have full trust in those who will be elected.”

Ibrahim Mohammed al Mahrouqi from Mudhaibi, said, “Of course, I will participate in the elections because the Shura Council plays a key role in building the country. Electing a competent member will contribute to the expression of people’s opinions in a transparent manner. I will choose a member who has scientific and political experience.”

Ali al Shaibani from Ibra said, “I call on everyone to participate in the elections because participation is very important. I have compared the programmes of the candidates and will vote for the best one. Shura Council’s members must have considerable educational and cultural experience to fulfil people’s aspirations.”

Voters will be choosing from 637 candidates (597 males and 40 females) who are vying for 86 seats. There are five unified centres (special centres) that have been reserved for those who can’t go to vote in their respective wilayats. These polling centres are located in Bausher, Thumrait, Haima, Adam and Khasab, the Majlis A’Shura Main Committee said.

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