Jordan's Islamist opposition scores historic gains in parliamentary elections

Published September 11th, 2024 - 07:26 GMT
Jordan elections
A Jordanian woman votes in parliamentary elections at a polling station in al-Fuhais near the capital Amman on September 10, 2024. AFP
Highlights
The IAF, which is the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan, hailed the outcome as a major step forward, marking its largest representation in Parliament since 1989.

ALBAWABA- Jordan's Islamist opposition party, the Islamic Action Front (IAF), has made significant strides in the country’s parliamentary elections, tripling its representation by winning 31 out of 138 seats, according to official results.

 However, despite this strong showing, the IAF fell short of securing a majority in the House of Representatives.

The IAF, which is the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan, hailed the outcome as a major step forward, marking its largest representation in Parliament since 1989. 

Wael al-Saqqa, a senior member of the IAF, said, “The Jordanian people have placed their trust in us. This new phase brings greater responsibility for the party towards the nation and its citizens.”

Jordan's political system places most powers in the hands of the king, who appoints governments and can dissolve Parliament. 

While the election marked a victory for the Islamists, the assembly remains dominated by tribal and pro-government factions.

The IAF’s success was attributed to a desire for change among voters, with party leader Murad al-Adailah noting that many who supported the IAF were not necessarily Islamists but were seeking reform.

Boosted by public discontent over Israel’s war in Gaza and a new electoral law favoring political parties, the IAF’s gains reflect shifting sentiments in Jordanian society.

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