Jordan protests call for constitutional reform

Protest groups called for stepping up the fight against corruption and boycotting early parliamentary elections.

Tens of thousands of Jordanians took to the streets on October 7 to call for constitutional reform, which would require the government to be elected by the people rather than appointed by the King. This was the largest demonstration in Jordan since the outbreak of anti-government protests in many Middle Eastern and North African countries in early 2011.

Protests demanding constitutional reform in Jordan (photo: Mihalakas)

The protest was organized by the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan. The protesters called for a stepped-up fight against corruption and a boycott of early parliamentary elections later this year.

Professor Hassan Barari of the University of Jordan said that the instability in the Middle East is affecting the situation in Jordan and this is the cause of the protests of the people: "What is happening in Syria is affecting Jordan. Besides, the situation in the West Bank also affects Jordan. Therefore, a problem is that Jordan must carry out reforms, because this is a long-standing demand of the people."

Earlier in October, Jordan's King Abdullah II decided to dissolve the country's House of Representatives and ordered early elections. According to the 2011 amended constitution, the Government must resign within a maximum of one week after the House of Representatives is dissolved. Legislative elections will be held later this year./.

According to VOV - DT