PM casts ballot in local elections

AMMAN — Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Bisher Al Khasawnehon Tuesday cast his ballot in the elections of governorate council and the Greater Amman Municipality council in the capital's Zahran area. 

In press remarks after voting, Khasawnehsaid that the elections are not only a constitutional and legal entitlement but also a national duty and responsibility, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

He noted that this is the first public national election after the issuance of the outcomes of the Royal Committee to Modernise the Political System, referring to the economic workshop that will result in a cross-government document and national vision.

The prime minister also urged all Jordanians to practice their constitutional right through observing the “high responsibility” in choosing the best and most suitable representatives.

He also stressed that the election process is run and supervised by the Independent Election Commission, where the government, through the Interior Ministry and Public Security Directorate, provides the necessary support to the IEC.

Regarding the next parliamentary elections, Khasawneh said that they will be held based on the new elections law that is expected to be discussed by the Lower House next month. He expressed his hope for the new law to be endorsed before the end of Parliament’s current session.

As for enabling private sector employees to participate in the elections, the premier said that Tuesday is not a holiday, but rather a day when Jordanians should practice their election rights out of their national responsibility, where the private sector, in this regard, can provide some time for its employees to cast their ballots.