Jordanians want PM to hurry reforms

Jordanians have once again staged a mass anti-government rally in the capital, urging Prime Minster Awn al-Khasawneh to speed up the reform process.

More than 1,000 Jordanians marched in Amman following the Friday Prayers to push for promised political reforms and an end to corruption among government officials.

The demonstrators held banners reading: “The people want to reform the regime”, “the people want an elected government”, and “we want a fair electoral system”.

Jordanian protesters have also called on the king to amend the constitution.

Rally organizers say the demanded reforms “would bring power back to the people” and that they will continue their street protests until their demand are met.

“Until now we have been hearing only promises (from the government) but without any implementation in reality. So we are protesting today to reiterate our demands for the comprehensive reforms that we are looking for,” AP quoted Hamzeh Mansour, leader of the Islamic Action Front political party, as saying.

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

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

The king has also amended 42 articles in the 60-year-old constitution, giving parliament a stronger role in decision-making.