Jordan's King Abdullah Announces Multi-Party Elections for September 2024

Jordan's King Abdullah II has announced that multi-party parliamentary elections will be held on September 10, 2024, at the end of the current parliament's four-year term. The decision was made in accordance with the Election Law for the Lower House of Parliament No. 4 of 2022 and the Independent Election Authority Law No. 11 of 2012.

Musa Maaytah, the Chairperson of the Independent Election Commission (IEC), stated that the election timetable, including the nomination date, will be announced next week. The electoral process will involve obtaining voter lists from the Civil Status and Passports Department, distributing voters across approximately 1,600 polling and counting centers in 18 electoral districts, and utilizing an electronic voter registry with over 5 million voters.

The IEC has collaborated with various ministries to ensure the electoral process is conducted transparently and inclusively, including for persons with disabilities. The Commission has facilitated the process of changing residency and conducted trial elections in cooperation with the ministries of education and youth. Additionally, the IEC has launched an executive plan to integrate people with disabilities and prepared 95 model centers equipped with volunteers in agreement with the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The upcoming elections will be the first to take place since the enactment of a new law in 2022, which allows certain candidates to run for parliament across districts, particularly if they are affiliated with political parties. The 130-member Jordanian parliament is currently dominated by deputies representing tribes with historical significance, but the population dynamics have shifted over time due to the influx of refugees and immigrants.

Why this matters: The multi-party parliamentary elections in Jordan mark a significant step towards modernizing the country's political system and encouraging greater political participation. The elections come at a time when Jordan is navigating regional tensions and dealing with the economic impact of the war in Gaza.

King Abdullah II visited the IEC and met with its president and board members to review the preparations and arrangements for managing and supervising the electoral process. "The IEC chairman, Musa Maaytah, stressed the commission's readiness for the electoral process and its ability to manage it and ensure its transparency," according to state media reports. Despite efforts to encourage political participation, voter turnout has remained relatively low in recent elections, with a turnout of 30% in the 2020 parliamentary elections, down from 36% in 2016.

Key Takeaways

• Jordan to hold multi-party parliamentary elections on Sept 10, 2024.
• New law allows certain candidates to run across districts, especially party-affiliated.
• IEC collaborating with ministries to ensure transparent, inclusive electoral process.
• Elections come amid regional tensions and economic impact of Gaza war.
• Voter turnout has been relatively low in recent elections, around 30%.