Oman Government - Introduction
Oman Government - Introduction Last updated on Wednesday 14th April 2010
The Omani government has been progressively modernized and liberalized since Sultan Qaboos came to power in 1970. As sultan, Qaboos is head of state, prime minister, and minister of foreign affairs, finance and defense. His cabinet, the Council of Ministers, carries out the administrative and legal functions of government with each minister having significant discretionary power in day-to-day policy. Sultan Qaboos established a consultative assembly in 1981 to advise him on issues related to the social, economic, and educational policies. Ten years later, Sultan Qaboos replaced the assembly with a consultative council with the intention to broaden the participation of the Omani citizens. The membership of the Consultative Council was expanded from 59 to 80 in 1994 and the larger districts were allowed to be represented by members. What was remarkable in overall experience is the decision to nominate women candidates to join the council.
The council has been assigned significant responsibilities though it is still an advisory body. It is in charge of reviewing all social and economic laws and helps drafting and carrying out development plans as well as proposing the necessary ways to improve public services. Members of the Consultative Council serve three-year terms.
The “Basic Law” was promulgated in November 1996 to regulate several important aspects of governance. The law provided for the creation of an upper chamber “The Council of State”, which forms with the “Consultative Council” the “Council of Oman”. The sultan announced in December 1997 the appointment of 37 men and 4 women to the “Council of State”. The “Basic Law” outlines a process for choosing a successor to Qaboos, who has no heir; it also bans government ministers from holding positions in private companies in an attempt to separate political and economic powers. The law also strongly affirms the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.