Political parties hail Jordan's new elections law

Political parties and analysts on Tuesday said Jordan's endorsement of a new elections law is likely to increase the political participation by the people.

"This is a step in the right direction. The new law endorsed by the government entails some good amendments that will encourage all to participate," political analyst Read Omari told Xinhua.

The law, he said, gives citizens the chance to choose from a wide list of candidates across provinces.

"The reduction of the number of seats of the lower house is also likely to lead to a more effective house," he added.

The new law cut the number of lower house members to 130 from 150, Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour said in a press conference Monday. It also cancelled the one-man, one-vote system.

"Canceling the one-man, one-vote is likely to increase turnout in elections," he added.

Jordan's Muslim Brotherhood, the largest opposition group, welcomed the new law.

The announcement of the law at an early stage opens the door for discussions and exchange of views about it, it said in a statement to the press Tuesday.

Also Tuesday, the Jordanian People's Democratic Party called for national dialogue over the law to boost political performance and reach consensus over the law.

In a statement to the press, the political party said more discussions about the law are likely to lead to the desired political reforms. Endit