Jordan to hold general elections
Jordanians will today elect the country’s lower house of parliament, the Chamber of Deputies.
Amid heightened social unrest, King Abdullah II dissolved parliament in September, setting the stage for today’s elections. Under Jordan’s constitution, the monarch appoints members to the 65-seat senate and the premiership, while the 130-seat Chamber of Deputies undergoes general elections every four years.
Abdullah II likely hopes that today’s vote will ease public restlessness stemming from acute economic and health crises. Jordan’s economy is expected to contract by 6% in 2020, while unemployment currently standing at 23%. In addition to the dismal economic outlook, the government has also come under scrutiny regarding COVID-19 mismanagement as Jordan’s health care system teeters on the edge of collapse.
Despite Abdullah II’s intentions, the election is unlikely to ameliorate disenchantment. Many are expected to boycott the elections due to the 2016 constitutional amendments that diminished parliament’s power. To alleviate deep-seated economic woes like high inequality, poverty and Amman’s dependence on foreign loans, Jordan’s next government will have to undertake strong executive action, including developing robust short and long-term roadmaps. Expect unrest to continue in the medium-term with the government’s will and ability to enact stringent reforms key to Jordan’s long-term stability.
