Jordan: King Dissolves Parliament

King Abdullah of Jordan unexpectedly announced the dissolution of parliament and called for early elections. No election date was given, however Jordan last held legislative elections in November 2007. In the face of a slowing economy, the cabinet tried to pass several pieces of financial and economic legislation, such as a new corporate tax law, but the parliament proved resistant to such measures. According to some experts, Abdullah may also be seeking to capitalize on the relative weakness of the Islamic Action Front with a surprise election.

According to AFP, the initial reaction by many Jordanians has been largely positive, revealing frustration felt by many citizens who perceived the last parliament as both corrupt and unresponsive.