NEW PARLIAMENT ELECTED UNDER REFORMED RULES
AMMAN Jordanians voted Tuesday for a new parliament under revised rules that officials say are meant to strengthen political parties but are seen by some as a small step, at most, toward democratic reform.
The Muslim Brotherhood, the kingdom’s most organized opposition group, competed for the first time since 2007, but was not expected to win enough seats to challenge control of parliament by establishment candidates.
In holding regular, orderly elections, Jordan seeks to strengthen its image as an island of stability in the region. However, parliament is weak, with most powers remaining in the hands of King Abdullah II. Polls have indicated widespread voter apathy, predicting more than half of potential voters won’t cast a ballot, despite the participation of the Brotherhood.
Zaki Bani Ersheid, a senior Brotherhood official, said Tuesday he believes a strong showing for the movement would increase “confidence in the legislative institution, and confidence between the people and the government.”