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Pakistan School Muscat poll campaign picks up momentum [Times of Oman]
[May 24, 2014]

Pakistan School Muscat poll campaign picks up momentum [Times of Oman]


(Times of Oman Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Muscat: Parents of Pakistan School Muscat (PSM) are enjoying the unprecedented attention they are receiving from candidates vying for the six seats reserved for the elected members on the coveted PSM Board of Directors.



Parents are receiving messages seeking support on their mobile phones, in their e-mail inbox and even verbally whenever they have an unexpected encounter anywhere in town.

Pakistan School Muscat's parking lot is now the obvious battleground where fierce campaigning is the order of the day, in clear violation of the mutually agreed code of conduct for candidates contesting the board election.


"Every two years, we become the apple of their eye as their fate depends on which candidate we will vote for. Once elected, they become invisible, only to be seen once in a blue moon," quipped a parent, who had come to pick up his child, even as he clutched leaflets of a panel in his hand.

So much focus on the voters is a blessing in disguise as it gives them the chance to put forward their suggestions for the betterment of the school. For a change, they manage an instant audience and receive promises that all their suggestions will be implemented.Little different This year's election seems a little different from the previous polls. There are three panels in the fray, instead of the usual two, with serious intention to make a difference. Their manifestos promise much that needs to be done, though the implementation is really going to test their mettle.

With as many as 19 candidates in the fray for the six seats on the board, this could be the most hotly contested election in the school's recent history. PSM Board comprises a total of twelve directors — six elected by parents, two selected from amongst the chairmen of the branch schools' management committees, two members nominated by the Embassy of Pakistan and the PSM Principal, who also plays the role of the board's secretary.

The 12th position, a non-voting member of the board, goes to an officer from the embassy, most probably the Community Welfare Attaché, who plays the role of an observer. Whether a new panel comes to power or the current board gets another chance to govern, there are no two opinions about the fact that running six Pakistani school successfully is no child's play. Important phase The coming two-year term is going to be the most important phase in the history of PSM as the school is standing on the threshold of three different directions. Parents will obviously face the conundrum of which path to take — allow continuity, trust new promises or embrace change.

In an effort to help the parents of Pakistan School Muscat make an informed decision rather than taking mere potshots, the Times of Oman presents a synopsis of the options they have, what to expect and then, finally decide, who to choose.

The three leading candidates fighting for the coveted post of the Board of Directors have dwelt on their vision for improvement of schools.

To get in touch with the reporter: [email protected] (c) 2014 Muscat Press and Publishing House SAOC Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

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