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Muscat: Omanis, who got the first taste of poll campaigns, vote today to elect representatives to the Ashura Council (Advisory Council) for a four-year term.
The second election in the country's history has seen candidates campaigning openly for the first time. All the 631 candidates, including 20 women, have sought votes through posters, banners and newspaper advertisements.
Sultan Qaboos Bin Saeed launched the Ashura in 1991 with a promise to evolve it gradually and increase its participation in the state's affairs. The poll campaigns are seen as a step in that direction.
Aziza Al Habsi, a journalist contesting the elections, told Gulf News yesterday that people should be advised on the necessity to choose the right candidates. "It is important that we send representatives who can give opinion, ideas and meaningfully discuss policies," she said amid last-minute campaigning.
Votes will be cast at 102 polling stations in 61 wilayats today to send 84 representatives to the council for a four-year term.
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