The recently promulgated Basic Law of the State of Oman stipulates that the power passes from the Sultan to his first-born son and then to his eldest son. 

 

The Basic Law of the State (also referred to as the Basic Statute of the State), promulgated by Royal Decree No 6/2021,  Article 5 stipulates that the system of governance is hereditary in the male descendants of Sultan Turki bin Said bin Sultan (1832 to 1888), said an Oman News Agency report.

 

As per the law, the present Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said's eldest son Dhi Yazan will succeed him, reports said.

 

The provisions of the law are:

* The power passes from the Sultan to his first-born son and then to his eldest son and consequently the powers transfers to one stratum after another. In case the Sultan’s elder son dies before assuming power, the succession should be transferred to his elder son even if the deceased has brothers.

 

* The law also stipulates that in case that the first person in line of succession has no sons, the rule automatically shifts to his elder brother, and if he has no brothers the succession shifts to the eldest son of his eldest brother, and if his eldest brother has no son the succession transfers to the eldest son of his other brothers according to the age order of the brothers.

 

* The law stipulates that in case that the heir to the throne has no sons or brothers, the succession should be transferred to his uncles and their sons according to the aforementioned age order.

 

* The successor of the Sultan should be Muslim, sane and a legitimate son of Omani Muslim parents.

 

Additionally, the law stipulates that in case that succession moves to a person who is under 21 years of age, the power of the Sultan should be exercised by a guardian council appointed by the Sultan. In case that a guardian council has not been appointed, the Royal Family Council should appoint a guardian council comprising one of the Sultan’s brothers and two of his cousins. 

 

Other key provisions of the the Basic Law of the State are: 

* Article 2 states that Islamic religion and Islamic legislation are the basis of legislation.

* Article 3 states that Arabic language is the official language of the state.

* Article 4 says that the flag, emblems, orders and national anthem of the state should be determined by the law.

 

As per Article 5, a Royal order appointing the crown prince and specifying his duties, specializations and prerogatives, will be issued. Following his appointment and prior to undertaking his responsibilities, the crown prince should take oath before the Sultan as stipulated by Article 10 of the Basic Law of the State, it said.

 

In case that a temporary hindrance occurred that prevented the Sultan from performing his duties, the crown prince should take over power.