Jordan: Parliamentary elections to be held November 10

Event

Jordan will hold parliamentary elections on Tuesday, November 10. Reports indicate that the government has mobilized around 45,000 security forces to oversee the voting. Turnout at the polls is expected to be low due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and calls from activists to boycott the elections. Jordan is facing a significant economic crisis, aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A heightened police presence is expected around polling stations and any unauthorized political gatherings due to the risk of election-related unrest.

Context

The country holds parliamentary elections every four years, which are considered relatively free and fair. While technically an independent branch of the government, the power of Parliament is heavily restricted. Parliamentary representatives are generally given free rein to legislate on domestic issues, but the King and his cabinet of ministers formulate defense and foreign policy, exercise veto power over any legislation passed by Parliament, appoint and dismiss judges and are the highest authority concerning all matters of the government. Political stability is maintained primarily through the King's willingness to use state power to stifle any serious opposition and the population's general approval of his rule.

Advice

Those in Jordan are advised to monitor developments, avoid any protest and demonstration locations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.