Jordanians vote in parliamentary election
Wednesday, 10 November 2010
Jordanians are voting in parliamentary elections that have been boycotted by the strongest opposition party, the Islamic Action Front (IAF), reports BBC.
The IAF objects to a new law which reduced seats from urban areas while increasing representation from tribal areas which support King Abdullah. The IAF draws its support from Palestinian-populated urban areas.
Voter turnout is expected to be low amid concerns over a sluggish economy and rising prices for basic goods.
About 2.5 million Jordanians are eligible to vote to fill the 120 seats in the parliament's lower house. Twelve seats are reserved for women.
Tuesday was declared a public holiday to encourage people to vote and buses were seen shuttling voters to polling stations in parts of the capital Amman.
"We hope the lower house will represent all Jordanians and enhance the country's achievements," AFP quoted Prime Minister Samir Rifai as saying after he cast his ballot at a school in central Amman.
The IAF objects to a new law which reduced seats from urban areas while increasing representation from tribal areas which support King Abdullah. The IAF draws its support from Palestinian-populated urban areas.
Voter turnout is expected to be low amid concerns over a sluggish economy and rising prices for basic goods.
About 2.5 million Jordanians are eligible to vote to fill the 120 seats in the parliament's lower house. Twelve seats are reserved for women.
Tuesday was declared a public holiday to encourage people to vote and buses were seen shuttling voters to polling stations in parts of the capital Amman.
"We hope the lower house will represent all Jordanians and enhance the country's achievements," AFP quoted Prime Minister Samir Rifai as saying after he cast his ballot at a school in central Amman.