By Ismaeel Naar and

Tamara Abueish

DUBAI -- Oman confirmed it is postponing its local municipal elections scheduled for this year until a later date to be announced later time due to the risks of holding it amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The decision, announced on Sunday by Oman’s Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik, added that the current structure of municipal councils will continue in its term until the next election takes place.

Oman last held local elections on Dec. 25, 2016, during which 623,224 registered voters were eligible to cast their votes. At the time, 731 candidates, among them 23 women, vied for 202 seats.

Most new infections found

in non-Omani residents

Oman recorded 193 new coronavirus infections, mostly in non-Omanis, and one new death, the Ministry of Health announced on Monday.

This brings the total number of cases in the country to 5,379 and the virus-related death toll to 23.

The ministry confirmed that 72 Omani citizens and 121 non-Omani residents were infected with the virus.

A 46-year-old non-Omani resident died on Monday due to the coronavirus.

Strict measures were imposed throughout Oman to prevent the further spread of the virus. A lockdown had been implemented in the capital Muscat and was extended until the end of May. Ramadan mass gatherings were also banned throughout the Sultanate. -- Al Arabiya English