PM urges electoral commission to build on achievements

AMMAN — The Independent Elections Commission (IEC) should continue to build on its previous accomplishments in preparing for and supervising parliamentary elections, Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour said on Wednesday. 

During a visit to IEC headquarters, Ensour congratulated the newly appointed board of commissioners on the Royal confidence, reiterating the need for the commission to maintain integrity, credibility and transparency throughout its various tasks, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

He said Jordan has succeeded in conducting the 2013 parliamentary elections, which were characterised by integrity, stressing the importance of benefiting from previous experience and the need to deal with small administrative loopholes to ensure positive results.

The IEC has built a regional reputation for itself, with its successful organisation of last year’s elections, the premier said. 

Underscoring the importance of ensuring free and fair elections, he asserted the IEC’s independence, as well as the importance of developing its performance through coordination and cooperation with all concerned.

Ensour also expressed hope that the IEC would undertake the responsibility of supervising and running any other elections that the Council of Ministers decides, especially municipal elections.   

IEC Chief Commissioner Riyadh Shakaa expressed his pride in the Royal confidence, noting that the commission will work in all faith and integrity to serve the country and its people, Petra reported.

He pointed out that the IEC values cooperation with the three authorities, civil society institutions and political parties in order to bolster the country’s drive towards comprehensive reform.

Shakaa commended the previous board and its efforts that led to free and fair elections, highlighting the government’s support for the commission. 

Other IEC commissioners stressed their readiness to shoulder their national responsibility and work as a team to build on and maximise the IEC’s accomplishments. 

Ensour was accompanied by Minister of State for Prime Ministry Affairs Ahmad Ziadat, Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications Mohammad Momani and Minister of Social Development and acting Minister of Justice Reem Abu Hassan during the visit.

Paragraph 2 of Article 67 of the Constitution stipulates the establishment of an independent commission to oversee and manage parliamentary polls and any other elections called for by the government in all of their stages.

The 2012 IEC Law stipulates that the commission consist of six members appointed by Royal Decree for a non-renewable six-year term.

The 28-article law stipulates that the financially and administratively independent Amman-based commission will oversee and manage parliamentary elections and any polls requested by the Cabinet.

The main duties of the IEC are setting election dates; drawing up schedules, plans and programmes necessary for the implementation of elections with integrity, transparency and impartiality; and taking the necessary measures to mange candidate and voter registration in line with the provisions of the Elections Law, including verifying and updating voter lists and handling the process of contesting these lists by individuals or parties.