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Democracy News
Jordanians Call For Reform; King Dismisses Government
February 3, 2011
By: Randi Zung | Printer Friendly
On January 28, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Amman, Jordan to peacefully protest government corruption, economic problems, and the lack of democratic freedoms in the country. In response to the ongoing demonstrations, BBC News reported that on February 1, King Abdullah II announced the resignation of Prime Minister Samir Rifai and his cabinet. In a statement, King Abdullah II called on Rifai’s successor, Marouf Bakhit, to form a new government “whose main task is to take practical, speedy and tangible steps to launch a path of real political reforms...on the road to consolidating democracy.” Rifai was appointed in December 2009, but reshuffled his government in November 2010.
In response to Bakhit’s appointment, Reuters reported that Sheikh Hamza Mansour – the head of the Islamic Action Front (IAF) – stated, “This is not a step in the right direction and does not show any intent towards real political reforms or meeting the popular demands for people yearning for greater political freedoms.” The IAF is the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood and is the country's largest political group. During Jordan’s November 2010 parliamentary elections, the IAF boycotted the election on the basis that the government had actively worked to limit Islamist voter representation.
Bakhit previously served as prime minister from November 2005 to November 2007. During the country’s 2007 parliamentary elections, Bakhit’s government was accused of electoral misconduct.
The ongoing demonstrations were said to be inspired by the protests in Tunisia that ousted President Zine al-Abedine Ben Ali.
For previous news on Jordan, please see:
Jordan Holds Parliamentary Vote Despite Opposition Boycott
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