MUSCAT, Oman, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- The first election in the Persian Gulf state of Oman in which all citizens over 21 were allowed to vote brought little change in the political makeup.
The BBC reported the Sultanate's 83-member consultative council or Majlis al-Shura was left pretty much intact, with tribal loyalties deciding the popularity of candidates.
Only two women were elected, despite efforts by the authorities to encourage more women both to vote and to contest the election held Saturday. Oman has a population of about 2.8 million.
The Majlis has no formal legislative powers but is consulted by the sultan of Oman on new laws and policies.
Previously, the government handpicked the 25 percent of the population it wanted to vote for its consultative council. This time all adults over 21 were allowed to vote.
