الملخص الإنجليزي
The objective of this study is to investigate the opinion of Omani people on the Shura experiment as regards the Shura model and the actual position in terms of validity of this democracy in Oman, Opinions were gathered in respect to the nature of the role played by the members of Al Shura Council (Parliament) in serving the Omani community and how to deal with the most important challenges facing this role as seen in reality. Efferts were made to find mechanisms for overcoming the challenges of the omani democratic experiment as proposed by all citizens (elector and nominee).
In order to achieve the study objective, the researcher adopted the explanatory methodology and included both qualitative and quantitative methods. The study was applied on samples of citizens in Al Battenah Region according to specific collection criteria sample of the study included (100) individual citizens. A number of variables were considered as regards the difference in gender, age group, area, educational level, income and profession.
With regard to the field study, the researcher used a questionnaire the question of which were designed through the explanatory study from the interviews. The statments which were collected were ytilized in the preparation of questionnaire and dgrafting the criteria expression which it included . ,
The study revealed facts and produced results that are summarized based on the objectives of the study:
In respect of the first core of the study regarding the principle of Shura in comparison between the model and the actual position , citizens have shown opinions on the criteria used in electing and selecting the members of Al Shura Council mentioning that the member should be one of the citizens of the region or area and should have good conduct and reputation. The member should be a resident of such region or area and should be an educated person at an age of not less than 30 years. The member should further has participations and activities in the community and has work experience in the public or private sector.
As regards the second core of the study relating to the roles of the members of Al Shura Council in the community service , the study sample showed the opinion that the members are often participants and sharing with the citizens in social works and occasions in addition to their role in settling disputes and strengthening social relations. According to Omani traditions, they maintain relationships with the citizens and play cultural roles in the region. Their participations also involved attendance of social events, seminars, lectures and encouragement of charity activities and support to needy families in communal area. The members of Al Shura Council are found to be fairly attending the Council's sessions, participating in discussions and joining the Council's committees specialized in studying certain issues. They identify the needs of citizens and support their satisfaction at the concerned authorities.
In respect of the third core of the study concerning difficulties facing the members of Al Shura Council in serving their communities they relate to the educational level of certain Council members, inability to realize most of their promises to citizens in his region. There are also difficulties for women to identify themselves and tour the regions for support. The fourth core of the study includes the mechanisms of overcoming these difficulties, particularly the formation and publishing and broadcasting of substantive information about the activities of the Shura Council in addition to the issue of the needed flexibility of procedures in order to solve issues such as the demands by certain members to return to their posts after their tenure of membership. Another issue need to be considered is increasing the awareness of women to participate in this process using the community organizations.
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