Amman – The elections in Jordan, scheduled for Tuesday 10 November, will take place in a context marked by the rise in Covid-19 infections and the worsening of the economic crisis, while the country continues to host about 650,000 Syrian refugees.
Circumstances could lead many to desert the polls. On the other hand, such a context makes it even more urgent to take on one’s responsibilities as citizens towards the common good. This is what Bishop William Shomali, Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, empahsizes, who in view of the elections issued a message inviting everyone to participate in the election, obviously observing all the precautions aimed at preventing the further spread of the infection.
“We have a precious opportunity”, reads Bishop Shomali’s appeal, “to choose our representatives” and “carry out the reforms necessary to promote the country”, starting with the fight against corruption. Addressing Catholics in particular, the Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan cites the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Finally, Bishop Shomali asks God for his blessing for “the Hashemite dynasty led by His Majesty King Abdullah II Bin Al Hussein”, and protect the Jordanian government and the security services that watch over our peaceful coexistence”.
A total of 4.6 million Jordanians eligible to vote are called to vote for a total of 130 members. There are 1717 candidates in the running, and among them 368 women. 9 seats are reserved for Christian candidates. The Islamic Action Front (AIF), a Jordanian Islamist party affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, is the largest opposition alliance and occupied 16 seats in the previous parliamentary assembly. Observers predict a low turnout of only around 30 percent of eligible voters.
Immediately after the electoral round, a 4-day lockdown will be applied in order to curb the spread of the infection which according to data provided by the Ministry of Health, have in recent days significantly exceeded the threshold of 100 thousand infected people, with more than 1250 deaths.
Source: Agenzia Fides
