Jordan votes in historic elections

Jordanians have started voting in parliamentary elections touted as the start of a democratisation process that will see the king hand over considerable powers to the newly chosen legislature.

Jordanians have started voting in parliamentary elections touted as the start of a democratisation process that will see the king hand over considerable powers to the newly chosen legislature.

Polling stations opened at 7am local time but voting began later because of computer problems, according to Abdul-Illah Khatib, head of the Independent Electoral Commission.

He says at least 125,000 Jordanians, or 5% of the 2.3 million who registered to vote, cast ballots in the first two hours of voting.

The Muslim Brotherhood, Jordan’s largest opposition group, is boycotting the polls in protest against an electoral law it says favours pro-king loyalists. Four other smaller leftist parties are also staying away.

more courts articles

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges
Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court
Defendant in Cobh murder case further remanded in custody Defendant in Cobh murder case further remanded in custody

More in this section

One person arrested after three injured in ‘horrifying’ incident at Welsh school One person arrested after three injured in ‘horrifying’ incident at Welsh school
IAEA inspects treated radioactive water release from Fukushima nuclear plant IAEA inspects treated radioactive water release from Fukushima nuclear plant
Ukrainian officials thank US for military aid to help stop Russian onslaught Ukrainian officials thank US for military aid to help stop Russian onslaught
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited