Omani MPs questioned over electoral fraud

The Omani Public Prosecution Department has reportedly requested Oman's Majlis Shura to lift the immunity of two of its members so that they could be interrogated on charges of buying votes during the 7th Shura Elections held in October last year. The Shura has formed a committee to meet with the Attorney-General to get the details of the charges against the two members. The committee members would also seek evidence corroborating the charges before proceeding with the case. One of the voters, according to a report in the government-owned Arabic daily Oman, confessed that he was paid by one of the candidates in return for his vote. The report, however, also said that it was possible that the money could have been paid by unsuccessful candidates. The Shura is expected to take up the matter in the next session, which is likely to be held without the two members under question.