King visits IEC, checks on preparations for upcoming municipal, governorate council elections

AMMAN —His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday visited the Independent Election Commission (IEC) and checked on preparations for the municipal and governorate council elections slated for Tuesday.

At a meeting with the IEC chief commissioner and board of commissioners, the King commended the IEC’s measures and preparations for the upcoming elections, as the commission marks its 10th anniversary, highlighting its role in developing electoral processes in Jordan, according to a Royal Court statement. 

His Majesty stressed the need to encourage participation in elections, especially among women and youth, pointing to the IEC’s role in political modernisation, as the recent constitutional amendments moved the political parties’ portfolio from the government to the IEC.

Calling for zero tolerance towards any violations that could affect the integrity and transparency of the elections, the King urged maintaining cooperation among all the concerned state entities to ensure a smooth electoral process, the statement said. 

In addition, His Majesty called for maintaining open communication channels with the media to ensure the swift and accurate flow of information.

The King listened to a briefing by IEC Chief Commissioner Khaled Kalaldeh on the logistical and training preparations taken for the elections, as well as the adoption of new technology to aid in counting and sorting, and means to facilitate the participation of the elderly and persons with disabilities.

On the occasion of the IEC’s 10th anniversary, the chief commissioner highlighted a number of milestones, including the establishment of the Jordan Electoral Institute, which offers a higher diploma in election policies and management, and has received two classes of students, half of whom are members of political parties.

Kalaldeh added that Amman hosts the permanent headquarters of the Organisation of Arab Electoral Management Bodies.

During the visit, the King also toured some of the commission’s facilities, including the IEC’s information centre, a stimulation hall for the voting and sorting processes, and the political parties unit.