Citizens in Jordan are set to vote in historic elections for the Parliament’s lower house on Tuesday. Following constitutional amendments and new electoral laws, aimed at increasing the role of political parties and democratization in a country where tribal affiliations dominate politics, these elections mark a significant moment for Jordan.
The reforms, approved in March 2022, introduce a proportional representation system and increase women’s representation in Parliament. Additionally, licensed political parties can now compete for seats in the national district using a closed-list proportional representation system.
The reforms attempt to address criticisms of the electoral system favoring independent candidates over political parties and aim to revamp political life in Jordan. With economic and political crises impacting the country, these changes are seen as a step towards a positive democratic vision for Jordan.
Despite the reforms, experts believe that the political landscape may not change drastically in these elections. Low voter turnout is expected, given the challenging economic environment and recent regional tensions, such as the war in Gaza. The political stance of maintaining relations with Israel has also divided public opinion, particularly among Jordanians of Palestinian origin.
While the reforms may not bring immediate change, they are seen as a step towards enhancing political participation and addressing underlying issues in Jordan’s political system. The elections will serve as a test of the impact of these reforms and the country’s progress towards democratization.
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