MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS: LOW TURNOUT PROMPTS

UNCLAS AMMAN 004644

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM JO
SUBJECT: MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS: LOW TURNOUT PROMPTS
GOVERNMENT TO EXTEND BALLOTING IN 9 MUNICIPALITIES

REF: AMMAN 4629


1. (U) Jordan's July 26 municipal elections suffered from low
voter turnout causing the government to extend balloting in 9
of the 82 municipalities in which elections were held. In 17
other municipalities, elections were not held because the
number of candidates equaled the number of seats. Final
results should be released on Sunday, July 27, following the
close of the second day of voting. Jordan's Municipalities
Law requires 51 percent of eligible voters' participation.
Preliminary results in cities that did not have to vote
indicates that at least 3 of the 46 women candidates won
their seats in Kufranja (near Ajloun),Irbid, and Deir Alla
(in the Jordan Valley).


2. (U) In the Greater Amman Municipality, which is treated
separately from other city councils, low turnout resulted in
a second day of polling in 13 of the city's electoral
districts. PolCouns, who toured the city on election day,
noted little campaign activity, few voters at polling
stations, and empty campaign buses.


3. (U) The Islamic Action Front, the political arm of the
Muslim Brotherhood, fielded 11 candidates in the Amman
municipal district, opting to boycott the remaining
municipalities to protest a new government amendment to the
elections law which authorizes the government to appoint a
maximum of 50 percent municipal council members in addition
to the mayors. The government should announce on Tuesday,
July 28, after the Cabinet session the names of the appointed
council members and 99 mayors.
HALE