In 2022, the Ministry of Interior launched the ‘Intakhib’ application, revolutionising the electoral landscape in the Sultanate of Oman by enabling voters to participate in elections for the Shura Council and municipal councils.

Before the digital transformation:

• Over 8,000 individuals engaged in the electoral process.
• Utilisation of more than 800,000 voting forms.
• Distribution of over 110 voting centres across various wilayats.
• Allocation of a total financial budget of 6 million for operational costs per electoral process.
• Lack of provision for out-of-country voters to cast their ballots.
• High financial costs and organisational efforts associated with election management.
• Disruption of business sectors on voting day, with mandatory leave for voters.
• Significant exertion required by voters to reach polling stations.
• Congestion at voting centres and surrounding streets.

After the digital transformation:

• Reduction in the number of personnel involved in the electoral process to fewer than 500.
• Allocation of a total financial budget of 1,500,000 for operational costs per electoral process.
• Implementation of identity verification through cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies like "NFC."
• Integration of the application with the electoral registry system 
• Enhancement in data collection and analysis capabilities.
• Addition of features like optional audio reading and sign language interpretation for individuals with disabilities, such as the deaf and mute.

Impact of the digital transformation:

• Streamlining the electoral process for both candidates and voters.
• Simplifying registration and data verification procedures.
• Encouraging greater participation in the electoral process.
• Offering precise analysis of voter demographics and behaviours during elections.
• Minimising human errors and ensuring result accuracy.
• Upholding the highest standards of accuracy, speed, transparency, and integrity in voting procedures.