Muscat:The Elections Committee of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) has announced the final lists of candidates vying for membership in the Chamber’s Board of Directors and its branch boards for the upcoming electoral term from 2026 to 2030. These elections are set to take place on Monday, 23 November, where members of the business community will elect their representatives for the next four years.
According to Federation of Arab News Agencies, the announcement of the candidate lists is a critical step in the preparations for the elections, ensuring transparency, integrity, and equal opportunity among the candidates. It allows Chamber members who meet the necessary requirements to exercise their electoral rights as per the approved regulations.
Eng. Ghalib Said Al Maamari, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Commerce and Industry and Chairman of the Elections Committee, emphasized the significance of these elections in enhancing the private sector's role in economic development. He noted that the Chamber is vital in representing the business community's interests and engaging in economic policy discussions, supporting the growth of businesses in alignment with Oman Vision 2040.
Dr. Mohammed Rashid Al Badi, a member of the Elections Committee, highlighted that the announcement of the final candidate lists marks a fundamental stage in the election preparations. The committee is diligently reviewing voter lists and addressing objections from the preliminary lists, which took place from 8 to 10 November, before finalizing and publishing the lists.
Business owners are urged to verify their inclusion on the voter lists and ensure their data's accuracy. The criteria for voting rights include paying the annual Chamber membership fee and employing at least one Omani worker registered with the Social Protection Fund or holding a valid Entrepreneurship Card from the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority.
The elections on 23 November will be conducted electronically via smartphone applications, enabling eligible voters to participate from within and outside Oman without attending polling stations. This method adheres to the technical regulations to ensure voting integrity and result reliability.
The 21-member Board of Directors will include the heads of the ten branch boards, representatives from Muscat Governorate, public joint-stock companies, and a member representing foreign investors. The new Board will convene within seven days of the election results to elect its Chairman and two Vice Chairmen, initiating the new term.
Source Federation of Arab News Agencies