In 1970, Oman had little physical or administrative infrastructure, and Sultan Qaboos faced the formidable task of turning a backward, impoverished country into a powerful modern state. A communist-backed uprising had erupted in Oman's southern Dhofar province, and was keeping the small, poorly equipped army fully engaged. Oman had begun to exploit its oil reserves in the late 1960s but had achieved little development in other sectors. Oman's health services, education, housing and communications were basic at best.
Sultan Qaboos rallied his troops to defeat the insurgents and then launched a drive to unify and modernise the country. When the Sultan marked his 30th anniversary in 2000, he also celebrated the creation of a prosperous and stable modern state that was ready to face the challenges of a new millennium. Having been transformed into a modern state in just thirty years, Oman's next challenge is to replace public sector growth with an expanding private sector to enhance future progress and prosperity.
In 1996, Oman passed the Basic Law of the State, containing more than 80 articles to clarify every aspect of the state apparatus and to address the fundamental rights and duties of the Omani citizen. The Basic Law guarantees the equality of all citizens before the law, freedom of religion and of speech, a free press, the right to a fair trial and the right to create national associations. It lays down a legal framework for all future legislation and, as Sultan Qaboos has no children, clarifies the rules of succession.
Article Five asserts that the system of government is a monarchy and that the royal line comprises the male descendants of Sayyid Turki bin Said bin Sultan, Sultan Qaboos' great-great-grandfather. It stipulates that the successor to the throne shall be a Muslim of sound mind and the legitimate son of Omani Muslim parentage. The rules of succession decree that the ruling family council will choose Sultan Qaboos' successor within three days of the throne falling vacant. Only if the ruling family council fails to reach a consensus will the Defence Council open the letter written by His Majesty naming his choice of successor.
Democratic principles
The Sultan's visionary and strong-willed leadership, together with the human resources represented by the people of Oman, has resulted in a sense of individual responsibility and duty towards the country's growth. The concept of shared decision-making and national development by the people and the government has always been evident in His Majesty's political thinking. To further this concept, Oman's population, both male and female, has been provided with full access to education and economic, social and cultural developments, with the Basic Law of the State ensuring the freedom and rights of all citizens. An enlightened system of open meetings at the state level ensures that popular participation is promoted and feelings of social cohesion and loyalty generated. In November 2002 the right to vote was granted to every Omani citizen, both male and female, over the age of twenty-one years.. All Omani citizens are thus able to vote in the 4th October 2003 elections for the Majlis al Shura's (Consultation Council) fifth term (2004-2007). In another development, the Supreme Court was created in February 2003. Omani women are increasingly being appointed to Government positions, the most recent being a Minister as President of the Public Authority for Craft Industries in March 2003.
His Majesty's tours of the Sultanate
His Majesty the Sultan's tours of his homeland are a specifically Omani institution and reflect the powerful and unique relationship that exists between His Majesty and his subjects. The tours, Which have been a feature of Omani life since Sultan Qaboos assumed the reins of power, demonstrate his desire to be in touch with his people, with whom he frequently holds face-to-face discussions and sees first hand how they live.
During these tours His Majesty, accompanied by certain ministers and advisers, travels round the country - sometimes for several weeks at a time - stopping off in various places to meet local citizens, sheikhs and dignitaries. These meetings take place either at Royal Camp sites or on the road in more spontaneous encounters.
His Majesty's tours of the wilayats are particularly significant in that they provide a vital and highly personal channel of communication between the leadership and the people, where citizens can speak directly to the Sultan, and express opinions freely. His Majesty told the Kuwaiti daily newspaper Al Seyassah during a tour in February 2006: "I must admit that I greatly enjoy these tours I make around the country... I meet the people face to face and listen to their requests, while they listen to my views... Checking on the state of one's subjects is not unusual in the history of Islam and is generally regarded as one of the duties of a leader. There are citizens whose situations do not allow them to knock on certain doors, so I come to them directly."
Three seminars on the employment of national manpower have been held during His Majesty's tours. The third, which took place in January and February 2005, produced recommendations on several matters including the Sanad project, and are now being put into practice.
During the Royal tours decisions are taken and directives issued on the implementation of road, water, electricity and other service projects in various wilayats, or on resolving obstacles causing delays to projects currently in progress. Since these projects are not covered by the General State Budget, the budget must be amended to accommodate them. Last year - 2005 - additional budget allocations totalled RO331 million.
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