CHAPTER ONE The State and the System of Governance
Article 1
The Sultanate of Oman is an Arab, Islamic, Independent State with full sovereignty and Muscat is its Capital.
Article 2
The religion of the State is Islam and Islamic Sharia is the basis for legislation.
Article 3
The official language of the State is the Arabic language.
Article 4
The Law determines the Flag, Emblem, Insignia and National Anthem of the State.
Article 5
The system of governance is Sultani, hereditary in the male descendants of Sayyid Turki bin Said bin Sultan, provided that whomever is to be chosen from amongst them as successor shall be a Muslim, mature, rational and the legitimate son of Omani Muslim parents.
Article 6
The Royal Family Council shall, within three days of the throne falling vacant, determine the successor to the throne.
If the Royal Family Council does not agree on a choice of a Sultan for the Country, the Defence Council together with the Chairman of Majlis Al Dawla, the Chairman of Majlis Al Shura, and the Chairman of the Supreme Court along with two of his most senior deputies, shall instate the person designated by His Majesty the Sultan in his letter to the Royal Family Council.
Article 7
The Sultan, before exercising his powers, shall, in a joint session of Majlis Oman and the Defence Council, take the following oath:
“I swear by Allah the Almighty to honour the Basic Statute of the State and the Laws and to fully safeguard the interests of the Citizens and their freedom and to preserve the independence of the Country and its territorial integrity”.
Article 8
The Government shall continue to perform its functions as usual until the Sultan is chosen and exercises his authority.
Article 9
The Governance in the Sultanate shall be based upon justice, Shura and equality. The Citizens, pursuant to this Basic Statute and the conditions and provisions prescribed by the Law, shall have the right to participate in public affairs.
