King urges boost in public confidence in polls

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday stressed the importance of facilitating the Independent Elections Commission’s (IEC) role of setting the stage for the upcoming Lower House elections, according to a Royal Court statement. 

Speaking at a meeting in Al Husseiniya Palace with IEC's board of commissioners, His Majesty said that the goal of boosting trust in the election process is part of the country’s efforts to enhance integrity and transparency in public administration. 

During the meeting, attended by Prime Minister Hani Mulki, His Majesty underlined the IEC's mandate in cooperation with the other concerned bodies to promote and encourage public participation in the election process. 

The King called for enhancing cooperation between the IEC and the country's institutions to achieve the desired results and contribute to simplifying election-related bureaucratic procedures, heeding the needs of old people and people with disabilities. 

The Monarch urged the oversight body to carry out awareness campaigns to educate the public on the Election Law and the voting procedures, and eventually ensure the success of the process, applying the best practices in the field internationally.

For his part, Mulki voiced the government's keenness to support the IEC as it works for free and fair elections. 

IEC President Khaled Kalaldeh briefed the King on measures taken by the commission since the Election Law went into effect and outlined his agency’s preparations for the polls.

The meeting was attended by Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh and King's Office Director Jafar Hassan.