On 20th October the citizens of Jordan elected a new parliament. A total of 1,252 candidates fielded by 226 lists were vying for the Lower House’s 130 seats, of which 15 are allocated to the women’s quota. The voting was extended for one hour in 15 of the 23 constituencies. Official numbers about the turnout have not been presented yet, but observers said the national percentage was 37 percent, with Amman recording the lowest at around 23 percent and the Southern Badia the highest at around 84 percent. The Independent Election Commission (IEC) announced most seats were won by tribal leaders, established figures and independent businessmen, loyal to the government. In addition, the Islamic Action Front (IAF), while boycotting the last elections, won 15 seats, most of them in Amman’s districts. The elections also witnessed the exit of some candidates and former MPs considered as heavyweights. Former MPs Mahmoud Kharabsheh Of Balqa, Amjad Maslamani of Amman 3rd District, Mufleh Rheimi of Jerash and Saad Hayel Srour of the Northern Badia have failed to secure a return to parliament. Srour was previously a speaker of the Lower House.
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