Elections held on time despite regional instability, calls for delay — Momani

AMMAN — Jordan is “persistent” in carrying on with its “comprehensive reform project”, which includes conducting the local twin elections on time, Minister of State for Media Affairs and Government Spokesperson Mohammad Momani said on Tuesday.

“We refused postponing the elections until the regional conditions settle down,” he said at a morning press conference held at the Independent Election Commission’s (IEC) media centre at Al Hussein Youth City’s Greater Amman Hall.

Jordan has been witnessing a number of challenges due to the repercussions of the Syrian crisis, which caused an increase in needs, setbacks in development gains and has affected economic growth, the minister said.

In remarks made earlier this year, Prime Minister Hani Mulki stressed Jordan’s “resilience” in light of “turbulent and unprecedented” regional conditions, noting that the Kingdom, in spite of a lack of resources, has still been able to welcome those seeking refuge.

Describing the elections as a “major event” for political and development reasons, Momani stressed the importance of holding them on schedule, as “they are an indication of the success of the reform process”. 

He noted that the previous municipal elections in 2013 were carried out by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, while this year the local polls were handled by the IEC.

Questioning the transparency of the electoral process is a concern that “belongs in the past”, Momani argued, attributing the change to efforts exerted by all stakeholders, especially the IEC.

Over 35,000 security personnel took part in ensuring the safety and security of the voting process, he underlined, warning: “Any form of violence, at any level, will face the power of the law”.

Momani underlined the government’s “full” support to the IEC, noting that thousands of public servants were tasked with helping the IEC to facilitate the voting and counting processes. 

Some 6,000 observers and 1,600 media personnel took part in the electoral process to ensure the event was held in a “credible and professional manner”, he said.

Meanwhile, the minister urged media outlets covering the elections to ensure accuracy and to validate information before publication, adding that they play a “major role” in reflecting the country’s image and the success of its reform process.