Jordan Passes Election Law; Opposition Threatens Boycott

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The Jordanian parliament endorsed an election law on Tuesday that will increase the number of parliamentary seats from 120 to 140 and  include an expanded quota for women from 12 to 15. Under the new law voters can cast two ballots: one for individual candidates in their governorates and one for political parties or coalitions nationwide. However, only 17 seats can be contested by party and coalition candidates, a stipulation that has incensed opposition parties. Zaki Rasheid, deputy leader of the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan, said, “This is a retarded and provocative law that will not produce representative lower house deputies. It does not honour those who have been demonstrating for reform since last year. It will kill political life.” Opposition parties plan to boycott the elections and have discussed forming a shadow government. Meanwhile, King Abdullah II bin al-Hussein spoke in favor of reform saying,  ”I am with my people, on the same boat when it comes to the belief that comprehensive reform is our ultimate goal, which we shall not give up. God willing, we will achieve our goals.”