Jordanians head to polls to elect new parliament

Amman - Seats have been set aside for 15 women, nine Christians and three representatives of the Circassian and Chechen minorities.

Jordanians have begun voting for a new parliament under revised rules meant to strengthen political parties - an election seen as a small step toward democratic reform.
Around 4.1 million voters - from a population of 6.6 million - are to pick 130 lawmakers from 1,252 candidates for a four-year mandate.
The polls are scheduled to open at 7:00 am (0400 GMT) and close 12 hours later.
Seats have been set aside for 15 women, nine Christians and three representatives of the Circassian and Chechen minorities.
Businessmen and tribal officials loyal to the monarchy are expected to emerge the biggest winners.
Experts expect them to clinch around 20 seats in the 130-seat parliament, which would make it the largest opposition force.
The Phenix Center, a local pollster, has said 42 per cent of eligible voters planned not to take part in the election, reflecting a general lack of enthusiasm for a parliament with limited powers to affect government policy.
Jordan's electoral commission head said the polls would be conducted in accordance with international standards. The polls will be monitored by 14,000 local observers and 676 from abroad, including 66 sent by the European Union.
The authorities have amended the law to allow political parties to run lists, rather than a "single vote" system that benefited tribal candidates.
The interior ministry said 50,000 policemen have been mobilised to ensure security at polling stations.
 

• MENA