Voter turnout reflects confidence in shura process

MUSCAT: Shura process in the Sultanate has been accorded utmost consideration and care by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos as His Majesty always praises the achievements of this march at the national level, the remarkable communication it has established between the government and the citizen, as well as the national view it has added to the specifics pertaining to history, civilisation, and the ideals of the society.

This was stated by Dr Yahya bin Mahfoudh al Mantheri, Chairman of the State Council, in an interview by Shurufat Al Majlis periodical magazine, which highlights many aspects of this blessed march.

Dr Mantheri said: “In the first place, we notice a qualitative gradual progress as regards the enhancement of awareness related to the assimilation of the shura process. This is reflected by the number of voters during each term, as well as the number of candidates.

“For instance, the voter numbers during the seventh term election was 400,000, while the eighth term saw 600,000 voters. The increase in the number reflects the interest in shura process. This is coupled by the outcome of the practice itself comprising citizens, who are keen to follow up the shura movement, and what the members do during the annual sessions by putting forward ideas concerning adoption of new draft laws, introduction of studies pertaining to basic necessities of the citizen, and supporting development projects, or examining important issues.”

The practice itself has originated in other forms of the concept related to practice of democracy.