Mass protest in Jordan over parliament reform

Thousands of Jordanians ­rallied yesterday to call for a boycott of upcoming elections, a challenge to King Abdullah II who has promoted a parliamentary reform process to stave off an uprising.

The protest in downtown Amman was the largest in nearly 22 months of weekly protests in Jordan. The demonstration came a day after the king dissolved parliament half-way through its four-year term, setting the stage for new elections. No date is set yet for the polls, expected at the end of this year or early in 2013.

Jordan at present is in little danger of seeing mass upheaval. Protests are usually peaceful, and well within the ability of the security forces to contain. Most in the opposition remain loyal to the king, pressing for reforms but not advocating his removal.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The main point of contention is over an election law enacted three months ago, allowing each eligible voter two ballots, including one for a nationwide party list, instead of a single ballot cast for a candidate running in a district. The party list system favors larger coalitions with an ideological agenda such as the 
Islamists, while the district-based system tends to return tribal pro-government candidates who muster local support from their particular clan and relatives.

Related topics: