King Abdullah II of Jordan on Wednesday issued a royal decree ordering Parliament to hold elections in accordance with Article 34 of the Jordanian constitution. Under the constitution, parliament must hold elections within four months since King Abdullah dissolved parliament, replacing former Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour with Hani al-Mulki.
The text of the decree read: "We, Abdullah II the King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, in accordance to the first paragraph of clause No. 34 of the Jordanian Constitution, order the Jordanian Parliament to hold elections as per Jordanian law and constitution."
In a meeting with members of the Independent Commission for the Election of the Council last Monday, King Abdullah affirmed the need to complete preparations for the next elections.
King Abdullah stressed the need to increase voter participation in the electoral process, boost confidence in citizens, as well as improve accomodations for elderly voters and those with special needs.
The new cabinet of Jordan's government was announced on June 1, after al-Mulki was named the new Prime Minister on May 29.
