'All measures should be taken to safeguard health during polls'

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday stressed the importance of taking all measures and precautions to safeguard public health and wellbeing during the upcoming electoral process.

At a teleconference meeting with the president and members of the Independent Election Commission (IEC), King Abdullah emphasised the need for
teamwork and coordination among all state institutions to guarantee the elections’ success, according to a Royal Court statement.

His Majesty said the parliamentary elections are taking place during extraordinary circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, noting the magnitude of the responsibility shared by all.

The King expressed support for the IEC and confidence in its ability to administer the electoral process with the highest levels of integrity and transparency, commending measures taken by the commission to deal with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

His Majesty stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability for any violations during the electoral process.

The King said Jordan has consistently sought to hold elections regardless of surrounding circumstances, which means the Kingdom is on the right track.

His Majesty listened to a briefing by IEC Chief Commissioner Khaled Kalaldeh on amendments to the commission’s regulations on conducting the electoral process amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kalaldeh said the amendments enhance the integrity of the process while maintaining public safety requirements, by increasing the number of polling stations and ballot boxes to limit overcrowding, and introducing regulations to safeguard the electoral rights of those in quarantine.

Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi and Adviser to His Majesty for Policies Bisher Al Khasawneh attended the meeting.