Islamists in Jordan secure 15 Lower House seats, return to political arena

Islamists have secured 15 seats in the 18th Lower House following Tuesday's parliamentary elections after ending their boycott of the legislative polls, according to preliminary results of the elections on Thursday.

A coalition of Islamists, led by the Islamic Action Front, which is the political wing of the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan, secured 15 seats out of 130 seats in the Lower House.

"The win is very important for the Islamists and it is a sign of return to the political arena in Jordan after recent crack down on them," political analyst Fahed Khitan told Xinhua.

"By securing this number of seats, the Islamists show that they have a strong base of supporters. Being in the lower house will help them improve the relationship with the state," the analyst said.

In April, the government started a crack down on the Muslim Brotherhood movement and closed its main headquarters and several offices.

Earlier this year, the Jordanian Muslim brotherhood severed its ties with the mother group in Egypt in a bid to enhance its image and ties locally.

In 2013 and 2010, the Islamic movement boycotted the parliamentary elections, accusing the government of vote rigging.

This year's elections were held in line with a new election law that the government said to ensure wider participation by voters and give them more than vote.

Women secured 21 seats in the lower house of parliament, which was commended by international observes in Jordan who said the electoral process was generally peaceful and very well organized. Endit