Jordanians rally for real reforms

Jordanians have taken to the streets in the southern city of Tafila to press the new government to give political reforms top priority.
They also called for an end to corruption and the prosecution of dishonest officials.

Jordanians have been holding street protests demanding reforms, including the election of the prime minister by popular vote, and an end to government corruption since January. There were no calls for the removal of the king.

Since the beginning of protest rallies, Jordan’s US-backed King Abdullah II has sacked two prime ministers in a bid to avoid more protests. Awn al-Khasawneh, a judge at International Court of Justice, is Jordan’s third premier this year.

Al-Khasawneh replaced Maarouf al-Bakhit, whose government was accused of corruption and failure to deliver on promised reforms, in mid-October.

The king has also promised to involve parliament in forming future cabinets and choosing premiers until prime ministers can be elected by the people. Currently, Jordan’s king has the constitutional power to appoint new governments.

The change is expected to occur next year. Jordanians have vowed to continue their street protests until their demands are met.