Jordan Times
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Elections watch
Minister of Interior Eid Fayez on Wednesday
discussed means by which NGOs will follow up on the elections with Commissioner
General of the National Centre for Human Rights Shaher Bak. Fayez said the
ministry is ready to provide all facilities to NGOs to facilitate the process of
following up on the elections. He also stressed the government’s keenness to
hold transparent and free parliamentary elections.
Saadeddine Al Sharbaji, a candidate from Amman’s Third District withdrew from
the parliamentary elections on Wednesday, according to Amman Governor Saad
Manasir.
The Sharek campaign, which encourages young people to take part in the
elections, kicked off at the Hashemite University on Wednesday. The campaign is
organised by the National Forum for Youth and Culture and the Ministry of
Political Development.
Dhiban District Governor Saleh Qudah met late Tuesday with candidates in the
district and called on them to abide by laws and regulations pertaining to the
elections. The total number of candidates in the district stands at 17,
including six women.
Sahab District Governor Qassem Sarayreh called on candidates running in the
district to observe regulations governing campaign materials. The total number
of voters in the area is 130,212, while the number of candidates stands at 28,
including two women.
Mohammad Ermithan Eneizah, a candidate representing the Northern Badia withdrew
from the race on Wednesday, according to the Mafraq governor. This reduced the
number of Northern Badia candidates to 31.
Tafileh Governor Farouq Majali, who heads the central elections committee, on
Wednesday said some 150 personnel will be stationed at the governorate’s 30
voting centres on election day. Majali inspected the polling and sorting centres
and the preparedness of the electronic system.
The Jerash Governorate held a symposium on Wednesday to encourage women’s
participation in the parliamentary elections. Jerash Governor Ali Azzam said
Jordanian women had overcame challenges hindering them from occupying lawmaking
positions and underlined the importance of benefiting from women’s experiences
in previous parliaments.