‘Election commission evaluating polling stations, verifying voter lists ahead of August polls’

AMMAN — Independent Election Commission (IEC) President Khaled Kalaldeh on Thursday said that the commission is currently evaluating suitable polling stations for the August local polls, which for the first time will include town halls.

The chief commissioner told The Jordan Times and Al Rai in a recent interview that “sports halls can replace several polling stations and are more comfortable for voters, media outlets and international observers”.

Kalaldeh also noted that time constraints will not allow the issuing of 4,640,000 smart ID cards before the municipal and governorate councils’ elections, slated for August 15, to cover all eligible voters, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Old and new ID cards can be used in the elections, he added.

The official noted that the IEC, in cooperation with the Civil Status and Passport Department and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, is working to verify voter lists.

The lists will include military and security personnel, as their participation does not violate the law, according to Kalaldeh, who also said he expected an administrative decision from the military and security authorities to prevent their participation.