Jordanians elect new parliament in cautious reform move

Jordanians have begun voting for a new parliament under revised rules meant to strengthen political parties  an election seen as a small step toward democratic reform.

More than 4 million residents of the pro-Western monarchy were eligible to vote Tuesday for a 130-member parliament, with 27 seats reserved for women, Christians and ethnic minorities.

Polls opened at 7 a.m. (0400 GMT) and were to close 12 hours later.

Jordan's largest opposition group, the Muslim Brotherhood, ran for the first time since 2007, after boycotting elections in 2010 and 2013 over a "one man, one vote" system it complained was favoring King Abdullah II's traditional tribal supporters.

Under revised rules, voters choose candidates from lists in 23 electoral districts. Critics say reforms have fallen short and won't bring real change.

 

 

AP