The Martin Rust Diaries

In the days after Parliamentary elections in Jordan, there is a sense of relief that the long awaited contest is over. More importantly, there is a realization that Jordanians have witnessed some important social changes in the country.

There will be much written about the numbers ….voter turnout at 54% nationally, 7 women elected with the first woman elected outside any quota, 199 women candidates out of a total of 885, only 25 incumbent MPs returned to Parliament out of 110, or a 77% turnover, only 6 Islamic Action Front MPs elected, down from 17.

Several traditional norms were challenged in these elections. In the past, vote-buying was an
accepted practice, however, recent weeks saw media attention about the illegality of such practices. For the first time, candidate representatives and at least one candidate were arrested on election day for trying to buy votes.

The youth were clearly visible in these elections. As a team of 1,500 members of the Al-Hyat Youth Centre engaged in the first-ever national domestic election observation effort, young people were also prominent in candidate campaigns, rallies and events.

Voting along tribal lines was still predominant, but change was evident as young people encouraged voting for “the best qualified candidates” ...as opposed to the tribal choice. The tribes themselves witnessed a breakdown in traditional political control. Despite contested internal campaigns, many tribes couldn’t decide on a single candidate to represent them. Some tribes had five or six candidates competing against each other.

With a lack of jobs, rising prices, and a variety of economic issues facing the country, Jordanians sense a crisis is looming. However, those looking to significant democratic reforms as a potential solution will see these elections as a missed opportunity. The government failed to make promised changes to election laws, resulting in the same process used in 2003.

Despite greater public participation, especially by youth and women, the system has a long way to go before it can be called democratic. Openness and transparency were severely lacking as the government only granted permission for 150 observers to enter the polling stations and
observers were not allowed to witness the vote counting and tabulation process.

The King’s absolute control further illustrates that Jordan is a country of contradictions. Elections are important, but it is the King who appoints the Prime Minister and Cabinet. He sets the legislative agenda and retains the right to amend laws and issue royal decrees.

There were significant successes in the elections, mainly due to courageous efforts of individuals. The challenge will be to motivate these individuals to advocate for true democratic reforms as the focus now turns to Parliamentaryelections in 2011.