AMMAN, Jordan - The royal palace says Jordan’s King Abdullah II has called on lawmakers to speed up reform legislation designed to increase the public’s role in the government process.Abdullah’s remarks to the 120-seat parliament follow widespread criticism that the predominantly conservative parliament is not pushing forward on legislation considered critical for long-promised reforms.
That includes amending a controversial electoral law. The opposition claims the current electoral law allows pro-king loyalists to dominate the parliament.
The reforms are considered a precursor to electing a new prime minister. The current prime minister is appointed by the king.
Some in the opposition question whether the king supports the reform measures because they might curb his powers.
