STORY: Jordan gears up for "reform-minded" elections in September
SHOOTING TIME: Aug. 31, 2024
DATELINE: Sept. 1, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:48
LOCATION: Amman
CATEGORY: POLITICS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of billboards for candidates on the streets of Jordanian cities
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): MOHAMMAD ALBES, Local resident
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): ZAHER ALJUBA, Local resident
4. various of billboards for candidates on the streets of Jordanian cities

STORYLINE:
   
Jordan is preparing for parliamentary elections scheduled for Sep. 10, following the introduction of a new electoral law in 2022 designed to improve representation.
   
The law increases the number of lawmakers from 130 to 138 and includes provisions to boost the inclusion of women and younger candidates.
   
Under the new law, each political party's candidate list must include at least one woman for every three candidates and one individual under 35 among the top five positions. Additionally, the minimum age for parliamentary candidates has been lowered from 30 to 25, aiming to enhance youth participation in governance.
   
The upcoming elections are viewed as a critical step in Jordan's political transition, with citizens expressing hope for meaningful reform.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): MOHAMMAD ALBES, Local resident
"We in Jordan believe that participation in electoral and parliamentary life helps the country advance and correct its path. This is the peaceful path that must be worked on to improve the efficiency of both the country and its government. I call on every free Jordanian to participate in the elections to help form a parliament capable of shouldering the burdens of the stage, because this stage is difficult and the consequences of the regional situation are very difficult. The upcoming parliament must rise to the occasion and fulfill its responsibilities."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): ZAHER ALJUBA, Local resident
"For me, if there is a candidate who convinces me that he will ease the burden on the citizens in the first place, I will vote for him. Why wouldn't I vote for him?"

The House of Representatives, the elected lower house of Jordan's parliament, will work alongside the Senate, which consists of 65 members appointed by the king through royal decree, as outlined in the Jordanian Constitution.
   
In April, King Abdullah II highlighted the importance of this electoral process as Jordan enters a new phase of party-based and programmatic parliamentary work. He emphasized the need for electoral integrity and the prevention of violations.

According to the Independent Election Commission, 36 of the 38 licensed political parties will participate in the elections. The number of registered voters has surpassed 5.1 million, including approximately 2.7 million women and 2.4 million men.

A recent survey by NAMA, an Amman-based research firm, predicts a voter turnout of around 35.0 percent, up from 29.9 percent in the last parliamentary election in November 2020.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Amman.
(XHTV)