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”.



UAE Strongly Condemns Drone Attack on Saudi Arabia

File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
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UAE Strongly Condemns Drone Attack on Saudi Arabia

File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) strongly condemned the drone attack on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia launched from Iraqi airspace, describing it as an unacceptable act of aggression, a violation of the Kingdom’s sovereignty, and a threat to its security and the security of the region, SPA reported.

In a statement issued Monday, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the country's full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its support for all measures taken to preserve its security, sovereignty, and the safety of its citizens and residents.


OIC Warns Against Israel's Seizure of Palestinian Holy Sites, Properties Near Al-Aqsa Mosque

OIC Warns Against Israel's Seizure of Palestinian Holy Sites, Properties Near Al-Aqsa Mosque
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OIC Warns Against Israel's Seizure of Palestinian Holy Sites, Properties Near Al-Aqsa Mosque

OIC Warns Against Israel's Seizure of Palestinian Holy Sites, Properties Near Al-Aqsa Mosque

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) warned against the Israeli occupation's seizure of historical buildings, Palestinian properties, and Islamic endowments surrounding Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The general secretariat affirmed that these plans are part of Judaization policies aimed at imposing new demographic and geographic realities on the ground to alter the identity of the Old City in occupied Al-Quds, undermine the historical and legal status of the holy sites, and erase the deep-rooted civilizational, historical, and cultural heritage of the Palestinian people there, SPA reported.

The OIC strongly condemned the Israeli occupation authorities' approval of a settlement plan to convert the forcibly seized headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in occupied Jerusalem into a museum and headquarters for the so-called "Israeli Ministry of Security."

The organization stressed that Israel has no sovereignty over occupied Al-Quds and that these measures constitute an extension of racist policies aimed at undermining UNRWA's mandate, facilities, staff, and role, in flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter, relevant resolutions, and the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice.

The OIC renewed its call on all active international parties to intervene immediately to compel the Israeli occupation to halt these ongoing crimes and violations against occupied Al-Quds, its people, and its Islamic and Christian holy sites and historical landmarks.

It also affirmed the need to protect UN institutions operating in the occupied Palestinian territory, foremost among them UNRWA, and enable them to fulfill their mandate without hindrance.


Kuwait Condemns Drone Attack on Saudi Arabia Launched from Iraq

(Kuna)
(Kuna)
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Kuwait Condemns Drone Attack on Saudi Arabia Launched from Iraq

(Kuna)
(Kuna)

Kuwait strongly condemned on Monday the drone attack launched from Iraqi airspace against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which was successfully intercepted, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the attack represents a continuation of a series of flagrant violations of international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2817, undermining regional security and stability.

The ministry also reaffirmed Kuwait’s support for Saudi Arabia in all measures it takes to preserve its security and stability and safeguard its territory.