Omanis to vote in first municipal election on Saturday

MUSCAT: Omanis vote in their first municipal election on Saturday, a modest opening apparently designed to stem discontent about graft and lack of jobs in what is normally one of the Arab world’s most peaceful corners.
Stability in the small Gulf oil producer and US ally is important because it sits opposite Iran on the Strait of Hormuz, the conduit for almost a fifth of petroleum traded worldwide.
One of the oldest Arab states, Oman experienced unrest inspired by Arab uprisings elsewhere early last year.
The government swiftly promised to create thousands of jobs, announced plans for municipal polls and granted the sultanate’s only elected body, the Shura Council, some legislative power.
According to government figures, Oman created more than 52,000 public sector jobs between January and October this year, as well as at least 22,000 in the private sector.
The Shura Council has been elected regularly since 1991 by voters. Universal suffrage was adopted in 2003.
Hundreds of people were arrested in protests in 2011, when two people died and more than 100 were wounded in clashes with security forces. Most of those detained were later pardoned.
After last year’s protests, Sultan Qaboos decreed that at least seven portfolios in his 28-strong Cabinet must be held by Shura Council members. Nine serve in the present Cabinet.
The sultan’s constitutional amendment also gave the council the right to approve or reject draft laws.