The political framework of Oman

Political Outline

Current Political Leaders

Sultan and Prime Minister: HAITHAM bin Tarik Al Said (since 11 January 2020)

Next Election Dates

Shura Council: October 2027
State Council: November 2027

Main Political Parties

Oman does not allow political parties. The only political organisation, Popular Front for the Liberation of Oman, was dissolved in 1992, and remains dormant to this day.

Executive Power

Oman is an absolute monarchy in which the Sultan serves as both head of state and head of government. The hereditary Sultan holds broad executive powers, acting as prime minister and serving as minister of defence, foreign affairs, and finance, as well as supreme commander of the armed forces. The Sultan appoints a cabinet to assist in governance. In 2021, the succession process was reformed: for the first time, the position of Crown Prince was established, and succession now follows a primogeniture system, whereby the Sultan's eldest son becomes heir apparent.

Legislative Power

Oman's legislative branch, known as the Council of Oman (Majlis Oman), is bicameral but does not have full legislative authority. It consists of two chambers: the Council of State (Majlis al-Dawla), made up of 83 members including the chairman, all appointed by the Sultan from among former senior officials, academics, business leaders, and other notable citizens, serving four-year terms; and the Consultative Assembly (Majlis al-Shura), comprising 90 members directly elected by popular vote in single- and two-seat constituencies, also for renewable four-year terms. While both chambers review and amend draft laws, final legislative authority rests with the Sultan, who enacts laws by royal decree.