JORDAN – Uncertainty rises over Jordan’s democratic reforms
SUPPORTERS of democratic reform in Jordan are facing a sharp political dilemma, as they ponder whether to boycott parliamentary elections slated for later this year or to participate in an electoral process that many regard as deeply flawed, according to Zawya.
In a blow to Jordan’s reformist credentials, the country’s main opposition group, the Muslim Brotherhood, has confirmed it will boycott the election, which is seen as critical because it will be Jordan’s first since the start of the Arab spring. King Abdullah has repeatedly promised that elections will be held this year but opposition activists and analysts claim that Jordan’s controversial new election law, which was approved by the king earlier, offers the clearest sign yet that the country’s reform effort is heading in the wrong direction. It mandates that the bulk of seats in the new chamber will once again be determined by direct run-offs in electoral districts.
Critics say the system is unfair because it hugely favours thinly-populated rural areas over cities, leading to a legislature that is starkly out of tune with Jordan’s true demographics. They also warn that the electoral law encourages voters to back candidates with whom they have a tribal affiliation, and so prevents the emergence of strong and coherent political parties. With the exception of the brotherhood, parties are traditionally weak in Jordan. The current parliament is dominated by tribal interests, which traditionally back the regime.
Analysts say the over-riding fear is that this year’s ballot will once again produce a weak and fragmented parliament that will be unable and unwilling to provide a counterweight to the vast constitutional powers enjoyed by Jordan’s monarchy.
In a break with previous custom which gives King Abdullah complete freedom to appoint and sack governments, he has promised to appoint a government after the elections that will reflect the wishes of parliament – making the composition of the new chamber particularly important for Jordan’s reformist camp.
The Muslim Brotherhood’s political arm has already announced that it will not take part in the election and denounced the new voting law as “unconstitutional”.
