Oman elects speaker for first time

Members of Oman’s recently elected Majlis Al Shura consultative council elected on Saturday their speaker for the first time  ever after Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said expanded the body’s powers. Khaled Bin Hilal Al Maawali got 50 votes from the 84-member council, whose chief  is usually named by the sultan, ONA state news agency said. Earlier this month, Qaboos granted some legislative and regulatory authorities which he had pledged to the advisory body in response to unprecedented social unrest. The sultan also decreed that the council would be able to revise and propose legislation, which will still need to be endorsed by the all-appointed  upper chamber, and then go to the sultan who has the final call. The council will also be able to grill ministers. In March, the sultan ordered a study to extend the council’s powers to be completed in 30 days.