Seven women were elected to Oman municipal councils, according to vote results released Monday (December 26th) by the Interior Ministry, a day after the sultanate held its second ever local election, AFP reported.
Voters across the country went to the polls on Sunday to choose 202 councillors from among 731 candidates for 11 municipalities, including Muscat.
There were 23 women candidates, and seven won seats on local councils.
In 1994, Oman became the first Gulf monarchy to give the vote to women and in 2011 Sultan Qaboos decreed that elections be held for municipal councils.
Councillors, who serve for four years, have limited powers as authorities designate the chairmen and deputy chairmen for the municipalities.
The Interior Ministry said close to 40% of the 623,224 registered voters cast their ballots in the election.
