Election chief urges turnout for Tuesday’s vote

Alshaheen News

Chief Commissioner of the Independent Election Commission (IEC) Khaled Kalaldeh called on voters to actively participate in Tuesday’s parliamentary elections and ensure strong adherence to health safety measures.

“We hope to succeed together, and to present a Jordanian model in polling and counting while preserving public health safety,” Kalaldeh said in a statement on the eve of the country’s 19th parliamentary vote.

He added: “Despite the epidemiological situation and public health concerns, Jordan has continued to preserve constitutional entitlements”, stressing that the current epidemiological status will not disrupt the democratic process, “rather, it is a motive for the continuation of all forms of life, including political life”.

Kalaldeh highlighted the commission’s continuous efforts to ensure the functioning of the democratic process while preserving public safety, saying: “Our goal was to develop procedures for the electoral process to preserve health while ensuring integrity and smoothness.”

He indicated that voting and counting centers have been doubled to prevent overcrowding and that sufficient measures are in place to ensure no physical contact between voters and election officials.

“Today, as we invite voters to go to the polls, however, we must all not only invite them to participate, but to adhere to the public safety measures,” the IEC chief said, adding that no one will be allowed to enter polling and counting centers without wearing a face mask.