Abdullah II: Jordan’s elections by book

Jordan’s King Abdullah II has renewed  his defence of the country’s January 23 elections in a speech at an emergency parliamentary session, amid continued claims of electoral fraud and irregularities. The elections were held “in a fair and transparent manner,” Abdullah claimed, “in accordance with international practices.” The country’s Independent Electoral Commission [IEC], which came under fire during the election and its aftermath, had “emerged as an independent entity to ensure the integrity of these elections,” he said. The King also announced the beginning of the formation of a new government, demanding “new consensus” be reached ahead of the appointment of a new prime minister in Jordan. "Jordan has also achieved constitutional amendments that have entrenched the principle of the separation of powers,” Abdullah added. “These changes have enrooted the independence of the judiciary, respect for human rights and the principles of justice and equality.”