Abdulmunim Oddat elected Lower House speaker

AMMAN — Deputies on Thursday elected Deputy Abdulmunim Oddat as the Lower House speaker.

Oddat won 84 votes out of 115 while his rival MP Mohammad Enad Al Fayez garnered 26 votes, and five votes were cancelled.

A total of 115 deputies participated in the voting, while 15 were absent, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Previously, the first session used to be chaired by the oldest deputy.

MP Ahmad Safadi was elected as the first deputy speaker of the Lower House with 86 votes, defeating MP Mosa Hantash, who received the backing of 29 MPs, while one ballot was cancelled.

Prime Minister and Miniser of Defence Bisher Al Khasawneh congratulated Oddat and the deputies, stressing the Cabinet’s commitment to partnership and cooperation with the legislative branch of government, in line with the Constitution.

Delivering a speech after the result was announced, Oddat highlighted the importance of “a genuine review” of the national capabilities, noting that through solidarity and integration of all components of the state, Jordanians can overcome the coronavirus pandemic, Petra added.

He also affirmed the House’s commitment to participatory decision making and transparency with the media and civil society organisations towards tackling corruption and enhancing achievements, topped by preserving the fundamental rights of Jordanians.

Meanwhile, the Lower House, in its session on Thursday, resumed creating its permanent office including its speaker and assistants, Petra, reported.

The House authorised the office to write a response for His Majesty King Abdullah’s Speech from the Throne, to be approved by the House and presented to His Majesty within 14 days.