AMMAN: Jordanian authorities have set September 10 as the date for the parliamentary elections of the country, an official said on Wednesday.
Mousa Al Maayta, the head of Jordan’s elections commission, made the announcement, stating that King Abdullah had instructed officials to ensure the success of the election process with honesty and transparency.
The upcoming elections will be the first to take place since the enactment of a new law in 2022, allowing certain candidates to run for parliament across districts, particularly if they are affiliated with political parties.
Jordan’s 130-member parliament, which began its four-year cycle in December 2020, is mainly comprised of deputies representing tribes that have historical significance dating back to the establishment of the British Protectorate of Transjordan in 1921. However, the population dynamics have shifted over time due to the influx of refugees and immigrants, primarily from Palestine, as well as Iraq, Syria, and other nations.
One of the key challenges facing King Abdullah amid these elections is navigating the political landscape following the Gaza war and ensuring stability amidst regional tensions.
Despite efforts to encourage political participation, voter turnout has remained relatively low in recent elections. According to official figures, turnout was 30% in the 2020 parliamentary elections, down from 36% in 2016.
