The principle of the separation of powers is critical for maintaining the integrity of governance while fostering its efficiency. This principle, which ensures that different branches of government perform separate roles and responsibilities, prevents the concentration of power in the hands of a single authority. But how exactly does this principle operate in the Omani context? This blog post offers an overview of the separation of powers within the Omani legal system, exploring its foundations and its application.
Understanding the Separation of Powers
Primarily, the separation of powers distributes government power among three branches: the executive, the legislative, and the judiciary. In Oman, the separation of powers is a fundamental aspect of the legal system, however, it is implemented with distinct characteristics that reflect the country’s unique cultural and political context. While the Sultan holds significant authority, as head of state, Oman has adopted a system which incorporates a form of separation among its government branches.
The Basic Statute of the State serves as the constitution of the Sultanate of Oman, establishing the overarching legal foundation for governance. Although the term “separation of powers” is not used explicitly, the constitution outlines a structure for the separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, with the Council of Ministers, the Council of Oman, and the Supreme Judicial Council heading each of these branches respectively.
The Executive
The executive branch of the government is represented by the Council of Ministers who are responsible for implementing the pubic policies of the state. Article 51 of the Basic Statute of the State details additional responsibilities of the Council of Ministers, including debating proposals from the ministries, submitting recommendations to the Sultan, and overseeing the implementation of laws.
The Council of Ministers, as the head of the executive branch, is led by the Prime Minister who presides over the council sessions. While the role of the Prime Minister is technically separate from the role of the Sultan, currently the Sultan is the Prime Minister.
The Legislature
The legislative branch, represented by Majlis Oman (Council of Oman), is responsible for reviewing draft legislation. Majlis Oman only has the authority to suggest new laws or amendments to the Council of Ministers; it does not have the authority to enact actual laws. It is made of two bodies: the Majlis al-Dawla (State Council) and the Majlis al-Shura (Shura Council). The bicameral framework promotes wider representation and greater public consideration of legislative matters. You can learn more about the role of Majlis Oman by reading the Law of Majlis Oman.
The Judiciary
The judiciary’s function is one of the most significant aspects of the separation of powers. The judiciary in Oman, as stipulated in article 77 of the Basic Statute, is constitutionally independent. This means it has the authority to interpret and apply the law free from undue influence or interference from the executive (Council of Ministers) or the legislative (Majlis Oman) branches. The judicial branch is entrusted to interpret and apply laws, challenge executive actions, and ensure that individuals’ rights are protected.
The judiciary in Oman is represented by the Supreme Judicial Council., which was most recently re-established by Royal Decree 35/2022 and has the Sultan as its chairman.
Is There a True Separation of Powers?
While the Basic Statute of the State outlines a separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, the Sultan’s leadership of both the executive (as the Prime Minister of the Council of Ministers) and the judiciary (as chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council) raises questions about the true extent of this separation. In addition, regarding the legislative function, the Sultan plays a vital role in being the ultimate authority on all legal matters, as no law can be promulgated without a royal decree.
However, even though the Sultan has power over the three branches of the government, the extent to which the Sultan interferes with the operation of these branches in practice is extremely limited making the Sultan the ultimate guarantor of the principle of separation of powers in Oman.
You can learn more about the system of governance in Oman by reading the Basic Statute of the State on the link below:
