Muscat: Oman says that only a single woman has been elected to the nation`s top advisory council despite a push by female candidates that followed pro-reform unrest in the Arabian peninsula nation.
Voting for the 84-seat Shura Council was the first major test of public opinion in Oman since protests and clashes earlier this year calling for more jobs and a greater public voice in political affairs. Official results released on Sunday showed that only one woman won a seat. The 1,300 candidates in Saturday`s voting included 77 women.
Oman`s Sultan Qaboos bin Said had promised more powers for the nine-year-old council, which until now has only advised rulers. But no specific changes have been announced. No women were on the outgoing council.
Bureau Report