New electoral commission members sworn in

AMMAN – The newly appointed members of the Independent Elections Commission (IEC) were sworn in on Sunday before His Majesty King Abdullah, a Royal Court statement said.

Khaled Kalaldeh, former minister of political and parliamentary affairs, took the oath as president of the board of commissioners, while Nazih Ammarin, Samar Haj Hassan, Zuheir Abu Fares and Nayef Al Ibrahim were sworn in as members of the board.

The ceremony took place at Al Husseiniya Palace, attended by Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh.

A Royal Decree was issued last Wednesday appointing the new IEC board.

Another Royal Decree was issued accepting the resignation of former board members Riyadh Shakaa, Asma Khader, Mohammad Masalha, Haj Hassan and Ali Hrout.

A third Royal Decree accepted the resignation of Kalaldeh as minister of political and parliamentary affairs as of last Wednesday.

The decision came in line with a 2012 law governing the body, whose establishment came in implementation of the 2011 amendments to the Constitution.

The IEC is tasked with the supervision and administration of all phases of parliamentary elections and other elections called for by the Cabinet.

The IEC takes all necessary measures to administer fair, impartial and transparent elections based on the principles of justice, equal opportunity and the rule of law.

Speaking at a board of commissioners meeting on Sunday, Kalaldeh said the IEC is facing a challenge to strengthen Jordanians' faith in the electoral process, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The commission, he added, has earned public trust by successfully administering parliamentary elections and by-elections. 

IEC Spokesperson Jihad Momani said the commission now has to prepare for new parliamentary elections, stressing that the board of commissioners will be taking major decisions related to ballot boxes, voter lists and ballots, in addition to regulations on media coverage and campaigning to ensure they are in line with the latest Elections Law.