MUSCAT: Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has issued two royal decrees, including an amendment to the Shura Council Members Election Law establishing procedures for women’s candidacy for designated seats in each governorate.
According to the Oman Observer, Royal Decree No. 98/2026 introduces Article 4-bis to the election law, originally promulgated under Royal Decree No. 54/2023.
Under the new provision, the minister concerned will issue a decision outlining the rules and procedures for women seeking to contest seats reserved for female candidates from each governorate.
The decree also stipulates that any provisions conflicting with the amendment will be repealed. It will be published in the Official Gazette and take effect the following day.
In a separate measure, Royal Decree No. 97/2026 amends certain provisions of the Council of Oman Law, originally introduced under Royal Decree No. 7/2021.
The second decree provides that the attached amendments will be enforced and that any conflicting provisions will be cancelled. It will also come into force the day after publication in the Official Gazette.