Jordan gears up for “reform-minded” elections on September

Posters of candidates for parliamentary elections are seen on a bridge in Amman, Jordan, on Aug. 26, 2024. Jordan is preparing for parliamentary elections scheduled for Sept. 10, following the introduction of a new electoral law in 2022 designed to improve representation. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)
AMMAN, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) — Jordan is preparing for parliamentary elections scheduled for Sep. 10, following the introduction of a new electoral law in 2022 designed to improve representation.
The law increases the number of lawmakers from 130 to 138 and includes provisions to boost the inclusion of women and younger candidates.
Under the new law, each political party’s candidate list must include at least one woman for every three candidates and one individual under 35 among the top five positions. Additionally, the minimum age for parliamentary candidates has been lowered from 30 to 25, aiming to enhance youth participation in governance.
The upcoming elections are viewed as a critical step in Jordan’s political transition, with both experts and voters hopeful for significant reform.
The House of Representatives, the elected lower house of Jordan’s parliament, will work alongside the Senate, which consists of 65 members appointed by the king through royal decree, as outlined in the Jordanian Constitution.
In April, King Abdullah II highlighted the importance of this electoral process as Jordan enters a new phase of party-based and programmatic parliamentary work. He emphasized the need for electoral integrity and the prevention of violations.
Political analyst Rouman Haddad described the elections as “very important” in Jordan’s gradual shift towards party-based governance. With economic challenges and regional instability mounting, Haddad anticipates that voters will scrutinize candidates’ ability to address economic, social, health, and educational issues. He predicts voter turnout will be comparable to previous elections.
Amjad Jala, political analyst and editor at the Jordan Press Foundation, expects increased representation of youth and women in the House. Jala urged voters to exercise their democratic rights, noting that local economic conditions are likely to be a top concern.
University graduate Rama Haj Abed expressed hope that young candidates will focus on key issues such as unemployment. “I have been unable to find a job for over two years, and I hope more young representatives will address these issues,” said the 24-year-old.
Garment store owner Khaleel Theyab from downtown Amman voiced hope for a change, stating, “I have voted many times and hope this election will be different, with more political party members winning. We need reduced taxes and plans to support small businesses.”
According to the Independent Election Commission, 36 of the 38 licensed political parties will participate in the elections. The number of registered voters has surpassed 5.1 million, including approximately 2.7 million women and 2.4 million men.
A recent survey by NAMA, an Amman-based research firm, predicts a voter turnout of around 35.0 percent, up from 29.9 percent in the last parliamentary election in November 2020. ■

Posters of candidates for parliamentary elections are seen on the street in Amman, Jordan, on Aug. 26, 2024. Jordan is preparing for parliamentary elections scheduled for Sep. 10, following the introduction of a new electoral law in 2022 designed to improve representation. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)