(MENAFN - Muscat Daily) One of the first promotional billboards as part of the Municipal Council elections was set up in Sohar recently, even though the candidates were allowed to start their campaign from October 6 (when the final list of candidates was announced).However, as online campaigning on social networking sites has already kicked off, it is believed that the new medium may have gained popularity amongst the candidates. Another reason for the slow-start could be that many candidates have planned to begin their campaign only after Eid al Adha holidays.Khalfan Musabbah al Jahwari, a 48 year old candidate contesting from Sohar, could be the first to start campaigning using billboards as he set up three of them at different locations on October 21.''I believe that people who are serious about the progress of the wilayat, should begin campaigning quickly,'' he said. ''I am going to distribute around 5,000 brochures to raise awareness among citizens as part of the upcoming elections.''Talal al Saadi, rapporteur of the main committee for Municipal Council elections, said it is difficult to confirm if Jahwari's billboard in Sohar is the first. ''This is because requests for starting candidates' promotional campaigns is addressed to and approved by the local committee of the wilayats they come from.''Another reason why we have not yet seen any billboards is because many candidates believe that online campaigning is more effective. I have noticed that some candidates are campaigning online through Facebook, Twitter and other social forums.''Anwar al Khanjari, a candidate from Muttrah, said, ''I got the approval from the local committee for my promotional programme on October 23. I hope to start my promotional campaigning after Eid.''Hamed al Oraimi, a candidate from Sur also said that he will begin his campaign after Eid.According to Saadi, some candidates prefer to start campaigning just a few weeks before the elections, which is tentatively scheduled to be held in mid-December. ''The date for the Municipal Council elections has not been officially announced.''
