After elections

Now that Jordanians voted their representatives in the Lower House and their votes were counted, it is time to assess the election day, see what were the shortcomings, if any, and contraventions, which we are still finding out, were not absent.

To be sure, the voting process witnessed some violence here and there, theft of ballot boxes in some areas of the country and even allegations of threats on the life of some candidates.

Elections seldom pass without incidents or some violations, but it is the total picture that emerges from elections that counts most.

We now know that no less than one-million-and-a-half Jordanians voted. Islamists have shown some strength because they are the only visible political party in the country so far. Others have no discernible political cohesion to count much for the electorate.

Whatever the results, the people of Jordan have shown which way they would like their country to turn, especially on domestic issues, which remain the number one concern for them.

If the voting process did not go as smoothly as hoped, the blame rests with the people first and foremost.

Conclusions should be drawn from the outcome of the voting so that the country will be better prepared next time there are elections.

Casting the vote remains a learning process that can be perfected. One day Jordan will be able to hold model elections.

On the negative side, only five women from outside the quota were elected. The total number of women MPs will be once again disappointing; only 20 were elected to serve as the people’s representatives in the 18th Parliament.

This is a letdown since hope was pinned on more gender equality in the House of Representatives this time around.

The EU Election Mission described the elections as well organised and inclusive; it also called for further improvement to the legislation governing elections.

It was noted by the EU that heavily populated areas of the country were poorly represented compared to the less populous.

The one-man, one-vote criterion is based on affording voters equal voting rights and powers that carry equal weight and representation.

Another negative observation that can still be made about the recent elections is the fact that it was conducted on a Tuesday, thus interrupting the normal life pattern when holding them on a weekend could have been less disruptive to normal business.

The fact that public and UNRWA schools had to close for two extra days to accommodate the elections was also a drawback that should be avoided in the future.

Still, all in all, elections went rather smoothly. Nevertheless, better and fairer ones can be expected to take place in the future.