Jordanians electing new parliament in cautious reform move

Jordanians are voting for a new parliament under revised rules ostensibly seeking to strengthen political parties — an election seen at best as a small step toward democratic reform.

The vote comes at a time of regional turmoil, including domestic and external security threats to Jordan by Islamic State extremists who control large areas in neighboring Syria and Iraq. In holding regular, orderly elections, Jordan seeks to strengthen its image as an island of stability in the region.

However, parliament is relatively weak, with most powers remaining in the hands of King Abdullah II. Polls have indicated widespread voter apathy, predicting more than half of potential voters won’t cast a ballot, despite the participation of the well-organized Muslim Brotherhood opposition group for the first time since 2007.

More than 4 million Jordanians were eligible to vote for a 130-member parliament, with 15 seats reserved for women, nine for Christians and three for minority Chechens and Circassians. By 2 p.m., about 750,000 votes had been cast.

— AP