Jordan Times
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Parliament watch
Minister of Interior Eid Fayez, who chairs the Higher Committee for the
Parliamentary Election, on Wednesday said the ministry and all polling centres
in the country were ready for the November 20 election. During a meeting with
the country’s governors yesterday, Fayez stressed the importance of holding a
free and fair election, adding that the ministry has taken all necessary
procedures to facilitate the voting process.
Also yesterday, Fayez said a total of 3,995 cell phones were distributed to
among 1,434 voting centres across the Kingdom. The cell phones contain chips
with the names of voters and their national identification numbers to ensure
impartiality during the elections. The minister made the remarks at a lecture he
delivered at the University of Jordan.
The Centre for Defending Freedom of Journalists issued a statement on Wednesday
voicing appreciation of the media’s role in supporting a democratic
parliamentary election. The centre also stressed the role of the media in
encouraging the public to participate in the election process.
The Northern Ghor District has completed preparations for next week’s polls. A
total of 17 candidates in the district will compete for the district’s one seat.
Ahmad Naanaah, a candidate from the second electoral district in Tafileh
withdrew on Wednesday, reducing the number of candidates to nine.
Southern Mazar District Governor Radwan Otoum met late Tuesday with members and
heads of polling committees to check on procedures taken to hold the election.
He said some 23 voting centres were prepared in the district.
Abbas Abdul Hamid Adwan, a candidate from the second electoral district in
Southern Shuneh pulled out from the race on Wednesday. The number of candidates
competing for the district’s one seat now stands at nine.
“Sharek”, the campaign seeking to encourage youth participation in the election
process started on Wednesday in Aqaba with the participation of youth from the
southern governorates. The campaign is organised by the Ministry of Political
Development and the Higher Council for Youth in cooperation with the Jordan
Youth Forum.