Citizens of Jordan will be voting in historic parliamentary elections on Tuesday, marking the first elections since the 2022 constitutional amendments and the implementation of new laws aimed at increasing the role of political parties and democratizing the political system. These reforms were approved in March 2022 following recommendations from the Royal Committee to Modernize the Political System formed by King Abdullah II. The new electoral law increases the role of political parties, increases women’s representation in the lower house of Parliament, and introduces an open-list proportional representation system.
The reforms are seen as an attempt to de-tribalize Parliament and revamp political life in Jordan, which has been criticized for favoring tribally-affiliated independent candidates over political parties. The reforms come amidst economic and political crises in Jordan, including high unemployment, inefficiency, and corruption. The state hopes to show that it is responsive to public concerns and has a positive vision for democracy.
Experts believe that while the reforms may not completely transform the political landscape in these elections, they could lead to incremental improvements. However, challenges such as the tense political environment following the war in Gaza and high unemployment could dampen public interest in the elections. Additionally, Jordan’s stance on maintaining diplomatic relations with Israel has angered a significant portion of its citizens who are descendants of Palestinians forced out of their lands, impacting voter turnout among this group.
Overall, the elections in Jordan are seen as a significant step towards democratization and increasing the role of political parties in governance, but challenges remain in ensuring public engagement and addressing key issues facing the country.
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