VOA常速英语:Oman Prepares to Vote Amid Uncertain Times

短语讲解：

1. Badr al-Qasimi, who is running for a seat in the capital Muscat, says there is also a noticeable increase in the number of candidates this year.

run for竞选；让…竞选
例句：Mr. Brown did not want to run for governor of the state last year.
布朗先生去年不想竞选州长。

2. Last time, I didn’t nominate myself due to my belief that the council was not to our expectations.

due to由于，因为
例句：Her absence is due to illness.
她因病缺席。

3. In addition to announcing legislative reform, Sultan Qaboos also pledged to create 50,000 new government jobs, allocated more funds for the unemployed and reshuffled his cabinet.

in addition to除…之外，还……
例句：In addition to French, he has to study Japanese.
除了法语外，他还得学日语。

4. Omanis first took to the streets in January to demand more jobs, higher salaries, greater democracy and an end to government corruption.

take to the streets走上街头(示威)
例句：Tens of thousands of South Koreans take to the streets to oppose a free trade agreement with the US. 
数万名韩国人走上街头游行示威反对与美国的一个自由贸易契约。

5. Some claim a number of ministers continue to embezzle state funds while others in the country are unable to pay for food or receive a proper education.
pay for为…付钱

例句：I have to pay 150 dollars for the sewing machine.
我得花150美元买这台缝纫机。

6. Oman’s unrest has been unique in that, so far, protesters have not been calling for the ouster of the monarchy.

call for要求
例句：The letter calls for an investigation of the facts.
来信要求对这些事实进行调查。

7. But Sultan al-Sa’adi, who was jailed after taking part in the Sohar demonstrations, says that sentiment could change.

take part in参加…, 参与…活动
例句：Joe took an active part in the struggle.
乔积极参加斗争。

8. “People, they’ve lost hope in this government and they’re just waiting for one flame and then everything will burn, will explode again,” he said.

wait for等待, 等候
例句：He is waiting for something good to turn up.
他正期待着情况好转。

9. Oman is neighbors with Iran, has a boarder with Yemen and lies on the Straight of Hormuz-the strategic waterway through which all of oil shipped from the Persian Gulf must pass.

lie on依赖, 取决于
例句：It lies on him to support his family.
赡养家庭是他的责任。