Oman Holds Fully-Digitized Elections

Omani Ministers of Interior and Information at the opening of an exhibition to present the voting stages for members of the Shura Council in Oman (Al-Omaniya)
Omani Ministers of Interior and Information at the opening of an exhibition to present the voting stages for members of the Shura Council in Oman (Al-Omaniya)
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Oman Holds Fully-Digitized Elections

Omani Ministers of Interior and Information at the opening of an exhibition to present the voting stages for members of the Shura Council in Oman (Al-Omaniya)
Omani Ministers of Interior and Information at the opening of an exhibition to present the voting stages for members of the Shura Council in Oman (Al-Omaniya)

Omani voters cast their ballots on Sunday to elect the members of the Shura Council’s tenth term. Voting took place without papers or boxes, using an updated version of an electronic platform, which was inaugurated for the first time in 2019.

In addition to the voting process, the application was used to register voters, announce the lists, and complete the candidates’ applications.

The Oman Telecommunications Company confirmed that the protective systems are working with high efficiency and that no attempts at cyber-attacks have been recorded.

According to the final electoral lists, 843 candidates, including 32 women, competed in these elections to choose the 90 members of the Shura Council, while the total number of voters reached 753,690. Last Sunday, Omani nationals living abroad cast their votes electronically.

The Omani Shura Council, which was established in 1991 as a substitute for a consultative council established in 1981, is elected for a four-year term and has the powers to review, propose and amend the state’s public and economic policies.

The council, however, does not interfere in matters related to defense, internal security, and foreign policy. The elected council, together with the appointed State Council, forms the “Council of Oman”.



Saudi Crown Prince, French President Support Diplomatic Efforts to De-escalate Regional Tensions

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
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Saudi Crown Prince, French President Support Diplomatic Efforts to De-escalate Regional Tensions

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received on Sunday a phone call from French President Emmanuel Macron.

During the call, they reviewed regional and international developments. They also discussed the latest developments regarding the memorandum of understanding signed between the US and Iran, as well as efforts to reach comprehensive solutions that achieve security and stability in the region.

The two sides affirmed the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and supporting diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions.

They also discussed areas of joint cooperation and a number of regional and international issues of common interest.


GCC Secretary-General Denounces Iranian Attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait as Violation of International Law

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
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GCC Secretary-General Denounces Iranian Attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait as Violation of International Law

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist Iranian attacks using a number of ballistic missiles and drones against Bahrain and Kuwait.

He emphasized that these treacherous attacks constitute a direct threat to the security, stability, and safety of citizens and residents on the territories of Bahrain and Kuwait, and represent a blatant violation of the principles of international law and the United Nations (UN) Charter.

He added that the continuation of these Iranian attacks undermines ongoing regional and international efforts aimed at consolidating peace and security and resolving the crisis, SPA reported.

Furthermore, Albudaiwi underscored the GCC's absolute support for all measures taken by Bahrain and Kuwait to cement their security, safeguard their sovereignty, and protect their peoples and residents.


Saudi Arabia Condemns Iranian Attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain

Saudi Arabia Condemns Iranian Attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain
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Saudi Arabia Condemns Iranian Attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain

Saudi Arabia Condemns Iranian Attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom’s strongest condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Iranian attacks against Kuwait and Bahrain, as well as against the security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, SPA reported.

The Kingdom reaffirmed its categorical rejection of these attacks, which constitute a violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

The ministry reiterated that such violations undermine international efforts to restore security and stability in the region.

The Kingdom further renewed its solidarity with Kuwait and Bahrain, and affirmed its full support for all measures they take to safeguard their sovereignty and security.