ABSTRACT
The Basic Statute of the State, which was promulgated by Royal Decree on 6 November 1996, and amended by Royal Decrees on 19 October 2011 and 11 January 2021, defines Oman's organs of government. The Sultan, who is head of state, is empowered to promulgate and ratify legislation. He is assisted in formulating and implementing the general policy of the state by a Council of Ministers. Members of the Council of Ministers are appointed by the Sultan, who presides, or may appoint a Prime Minister to preside, over the Council. Under the terms of the amendment to the Basic Statute of the State issued in October 2011, legislative and audit powers were granted to both chambers of the Council of Oman (Majlis Oman). The Consultative Council (Majlis al-Shura) is elected for four years at national polls. With effect from elections held in October 2003, voting rights have been granted to all Omani citizens over 21 years of age. The Consultative Council is composed of one representative from each wilaya (district) with fewer than 30,000 inhabitants, and two from each wilaya with 30,000 or more inhabitants. The Consultative Council elected in October 2019 comprised 86 members. A State Council (Majlis al-Dawlah) is appointed by the Sultan from among prominent Omanis; members also serve a four-year term of office. The State Council appointed in November 2019 comprised 86 members. The amendments to the Basic Statute of the State issued in January 2021 introduced a formal mechanism for succession with the creation of the role of Crown Prince, to be bestowed upon the Sultan's eldest son.
