PETRA
Omani voters started voting electronically on Sunday morning to choose members of municipal councils for the third term. This is the first time that voting takes place via smart phones through the “elect” application dedicated to voting.
The number of voters, according to the main committee for the elections of members of municipal councils for the third term, is 731,767 male and female voters.
727 candidates, including 27 women, are competing in the Sultanate of Oman for 126 seats for the membership of these councils, which extend for four years.
The Omani Ministry of Interior had confirmed the readiness of all committees working in the municipal council elections for the third term, and full readiness for the electoral process.
It is noteworthy that the “I vote” application was designed according to security standards, while taking all precautions to vote in complete confidentiality, and it requires the availability of a smart phone equipped with the feature of close range communication, internet connection and a valid personal card, and that the voter be registered in the electoral register.
The application, which is available on electronic stores for smart phones, can be downloaded, as the application requires taking a copy of the voter’s original ID card from both sides.
Today, the Ministry of Interior briefed a press delegation from several countries on the mechanism of the electoral process, from the beginning of registration and receiving applications for candidacy, until the completion of the process.