The Jordanian moderate Islamist opposition saw significant boosts in Tuesday's parliamentary election, mainly driven by the Israeli genocide in Gaza, preliminary results showed on Wednesday. 

A new electoral law, which promotes a more substantial role for political parties within the parliament, profited the Islamist Action Front (IAF), although tribal and pro-government groups maintain their dominance in the assembly. 

For the first time, the new electoral law allocated 41 seats for political parties, initial reports reviewed by Reuters and confirmed by independent sources reported. As a result, the IAF, the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood, managed to secure a fifth of the 138 seats. 

"The Jordanian people have given us their trust by voting for us. This new phase will increase the burden of responsibility for the party towards the nation and our citizens," IAF chief Wael al-Saqqa said. 

Impressive:

Islamic Action Front Party (political wing of the Muslim Brotherhood in #Jordan) seized 41% of national constituency seats in upcoming parliament with 17 seats (Party won total 32 seats adding local constituencies) . Party cumulative vote figure was 464,350 votes pic.twitter.com/7eNpPvWumi

— Fadi AL-Qadi (@fqadi) September 11, 2024

Introduction to Jordan's constitution

As per Jordan's constitution, the King possesses most of the power, including the authority to appoint governments and dissolve parliament. While the assembly can compel a cabinet to resign through a non-confidence vote, it does not have wider powers.

The electoral system continues to favor less populated tribal and provincial areas over the densely populated cities, which are largely inhabited by Jordanians of Palestinian origin, known for their strong Islamic presence and political engagement.

Tuesday's turnout stood at a low 32.25%, relative to Jordan's 5.1 million eligible voters, but still marked a slight increase from 2020's 29%.

However, Jordanian officials considered the turnout and the success of the elections an indicator "of the country's stability", given the war on Gaza and broader regional conflicts. 

The Muslim Brotherhood's activity in Jordan

The Muslim Brotherhood has been operating in Jordan since 1946 and recently gained more popularity in the country after leading and organizing pro-Palestine protests, its political opponents claimed. 

Earlier in October, following a request for protests by the Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood and various socialist and student groups, more than 20,000 people gathered in central Amman.

The streets were packed with protesters who waved Palestinian flags and shouted, "The people want the liberation of Palestine."

One demonstrator stressed that they "reject America's bias" towards "Israel", and hundreds protested in other Jordanian cities.

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