Islamist groups in Jordan are gaining support, reflecting the public's frustration over the Gaza war.


Islamist party gains significant success in Jordanian elections An Islamist party, known for its opposition to the Israeli invasion of Gaza, has made significant gains in the recent elections in Jordan. The Islamic Action Front, the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood, has secured 31 seats in the 138-seat Parliament. This marks a larger foothold for the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan's political landscape. Despite this, the government is expected to retain a substantial majority, with two allied parties securing around 70 seats combined. Analysts believe that the kingdom's stability and open electoral system will remain intact despite the increased presence of Islamists in Parliament. The election results are seen as a way for the public to express their anger over the Israeli assault on Gaza. The government introduced reforms aimed at promoting greater democratization, including changes to the electoral law, which shifted the focus from individual candidates to political parties. Discontent over the government's ties to Israel was already high in Jordan, especially among citizens of Palestinian origin. The assault on Gaza and the Israeli crackdown in the West Bank further fueled public anger, leading to mass demonstrations and arrests of protesters. The Muslim Brotherhood capitalized on this discontent, criticizing the government's domestic policies during the campaign. The party sees its election gains as a victory for the country and a strengthening of the state's power and stability. Despite the increased voice for Islamists, voter turnout was around 32 percent, indicating limited enthusiasm for the electoral process. This low turnout may also reflect the perception that Parliament has no direct role in shaping foreign policy, which is overseen by the monarch. Overall, the election results suggest a deepening trust deficit between the government and the public, with many Jordanians feeling that Parliament is incapable of addressing their concerns.



Previous Post Next Post