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Middle East and North Africa
Oman |
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Last reviewed: 17 November 2008 |
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POLITICS
In November 1996, the Sultan introduced a Basic Law, Oman's first written constitution. The Law established a succession mechanism, codified the system of government; set out the provisions for the development of the political and legal systems; and provided a blueprint for the direction of future economic policy. For the first time, the Sultan also laid down clearly his own powers and those of his Ministers and Councils.
The Basic Law also created an appointed 40-member upper Chamber (State Council – "Majlis ad Dowla"), to complement the elected lower chamber (Shura Council) of the "Council of Oman". The new dual chamber Council of Oman was enjoined to express views and put forward proposals 'without fear or favour'. Four women were appointed to the State Council in 1997 and a further five were appointed in 2003. After the 2007 Shura Elections in which no women were returned, the number of women appointed to the Dowla was increased to 14.
The 2003 elections marked a new move towards democracy, as the Sultan extended the franchise to all Omanis over the age of 21 for the first time. Elections in 2007 continued Oman’s democratic progress. The Shura Council’s powers are limited, but growing. The Sultan has responsibility for drawing up new legislation, making public appointments, and holds the Ministerial portfolios of defence, finance and foreign policy.
In March 2004 the Sultan appointed Oman’s first female Cabinet Minister. There are now (April 2008) three female Cabinet Ministers and one other woman holding Ministerial rank.
HUMAN RIGHTS
The Basic Law sets out and protects some human rights, such as an independent judiciary, and the freedoms of association, speech, and the press, though in practice the public media exercise rigorous self-censorship and the internet is monitored. Suffrage has been extended to all Omanis over 21. Oman retains the death penalty but has not used it for several years. Oman has acceded to two of the six core UN human rights conventions on Human Rights: the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
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Contacts
Address:
Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman
167 Queen's Gate
London SW7 5HE
Military Section, Cultural Section and Health Section
64 Ennismore Gardens
London SW7 1NH
Telephone:
(020) 7225 0001
(020) 7589 0202 Military
(020) 7589 0220 Cultural
(020) 7589 0002 Health
(020) 7225 0001 Commercial
Fax:
(020) 7584 3653 Military
(020) 7584 6435 Cultural
(020) 7581 2545 Health
(020) 7589 2505 Commercial
Office hours:
Mon–Fri: 0900–1530