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Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: There are currently 23 constituencies.
Source: The 2016 Parliament Elections Law No. 6, art. 8: http://www.entikhabat.jo/sites/default/files/ElectionNo6-2016.pdff (2016);
Official Website of the Independent Election Commission: http://www.entikhabat.jo/
قانون الانتخاب لمجلس النواب: http://www.entikhabat.jo/sites/default/files/ElectionNo6-2016.pdf
Verified: 2017/09/20
BD002
Question: The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
Answer(s):
d . A government department or agency
Comments: The Cabinet, known as the Council of Ministers, approves the final constituency boundaries.
Source: Cabinet endorses draft constituency by-law
http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/cabinet-endorses-draft-constituency-law (2016)
Verified: 2017/09/20
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
a . "Equality" of population e . Geographic size of district f . Communities of interest/cultural concerns
Comments: According to Government Spokesperson Mohammad Momani at an election presser, “The new by-law will ensure that candidates tailor their electoral platforms for a wider audience that candidates will not only rely on their relatives, tribes, or neighbourhoods to win. They will have to do more to encourage citizens to vote for them."
Source: The 2016 Parliament Elections Law No. 6, art. 8: http://www.entikhabat.jo/sites/default/files/ElectionNo6-2016.pdff (2016);
Gov’t ready with by-law on distribution of constituencies: http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/gov’t-ready-law-distribution-constituencies
Verified: 2017/09/20
BD004
Question: If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
Answer:
c . Number of registered voters
Comments: Eligible voters will have a number of votes equal to the number of seats allocated for their district in the Lower House.
Source: Gov’t ready with by-law on distribution of constituencies: http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/gov’t-ready-law-distribution-constituencies
The 2016 Parliament Elections Law No. 6, art. 8: http://www.entikhabat.jo/sites/default/files/ElectionNo6-2016.pdff (2016);
Verified: 2016/07/28
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . Legislature (1st chamber)
Comments: Electoral constituencies are determined in the Election Law, and approved by the Cabinet.
Source: The 2012 Parliament Elections Law No. 25, art. 8: http://www.entikhabat.jo/Documents/Laws/Election%20Law%20No%2025%20of%202012.pdf (2013);
Official Website of the Independent Election Commission: http://www.entikhabat.jo/Public/DefaultDetails.aspx?id=147&type=menudetails (2013)
Verified: 2017/09/20
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
g . Inherited monarchy
Comments: The Throne of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is hereditary to the dynasty of King Abdullah Bin Al-Hussein in a direct line through the male heirs. The King is the Head of the State and is immune from every liability and responsibility.
Source: Constitution, art. 28, 30: http://www.representatives.jo/sites/default/files/الدستور.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2016/07/28
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: The King appoints the Prime Minister and may dismiss him or accept his resignation. He appoints the Ministers; he also dismisses them or accepts their resignation, upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
Source: Constitution, art. 35: http://www.representatives.jo/sites/default/files/الدستور.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2016/07/28
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, art. 28, 30: http://www.representatives.jo/sites/default/files/الدستور.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2016/07/28
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
b . Two chambers
Comments: The Parliament shall consist of two Houses: The Senate and the House of Representatives.
Source: Constitution, art. 62: http://www.representatives.jo/sites/default/files/الدستور.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2016/07/28
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
e . Parallel (Segmented) (PR Lists and Majoritarian constituencies) g . List Proportional Representation
Comments: According to the Elections Law for 2016, Jordan's Lower House, or the House of Representatives, has 130 seats.
Source: The 2016 Parliament Elections Law No. 6, art. 8, 9: http://www.entikhabat.jo/sites/default/files/ElectionNo6-2016.pdf
Verified: 2016/07/28
ES006
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
j . By appointment
Comments: The Upper House of Parliament, or The House of Senate, including the Speaker, shall consist of not more than one-half of the number of the members of the Chamber of Deputies. The House of Senate currently includes 75 members who are appointed by the King.
Source: Constitution, art. 63: http://www.representatives.jo/sites/default/files/الدستور.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2016/07/28
ES007
Question: If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
Answer:
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/07/28
ES008
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
Answer(s):
b . Specially delimited constituencies
Comments:
Source: The 2016 Parliament Elections Law No. 6, art. 8, 9: http://www.entikhabat.jo/sites/default/files/ElectionNo6-2016.pdf
Verified: 2016/07/28
ES009
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/07/28
ES010
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The kingdom will be divided into electoral districts which are to include 130 parliamentary seats, 15 of which are reserved for women (one seat per province). Voters who are Christian, Circassian, or Chechnyan are free to vote in any province where there is a minority seat reserved for them, and candidates for these seats are allowed to run individually or on lists.
Source:
Verified: 2016/07/28
ES012
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/07/28
ES014
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
Answer:
a . No minimum
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/07/28
ES015
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/08/01
ES016
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
Answer:
a . No minimum
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/08/01
ES017
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/08/01
ES018
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
a . At fixed intervals (specify length)
Comments: The term of office of the Chamber of Deputies shall be four calendar years commencing from the date of the announcement of the results of the general elections in the Official Gazette. The King may, by a Royal Decree, prolong the term of the Chamber for a period of not less than one year and not more than two years.
A general election shall take place during the four months preceding the end of the term of the Chamber. If the election has not taken place by the end of the term of the Chamber or if such election is delayed for any reason, the Chamber shall remain in office until the election of a new Chamber.
Source: Constitution, art. 68: http://www.representatives.jo/sites/default/files/الدستور.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2016/08/01
ES020
Question: Regarding Chamber 1 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
a . Voting takes place on one day
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/08/01
ES021
Question: Regarding Chamber 2 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/08/01
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
b . Separate legislation
Comments:
Source: The 2016 Parliament Elections Law No. 6: http://www.entikhabat.jo/sites/default/files/ElectionNo6-2016.pdf
Verified: 2016/08/01
LF002
Question: What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
Answer:
a . January 2000 or later
Comments:
Source: The 2016 Parliament Elections Law No. 6: http://www.entikhabat.jo/sites/default/files/ElectionNo6-2016.pdf
Verified: 2016/08/01
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections
Comments:
Source: The 2016 Parliament Elections Law No. 6: http://www.entikhabat.jo/sites/default/files/ElectionNo6-2016.pdf
Verified: 2016/08/01
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments: Every Jordanian 18 years old or older has the right to vote.
Source: The 2016 Parliament Elections Law No. 6, art 3: http://www.entikhabat.jo/sites/default/files/ElectionNo6-2016.pdf
Verified: 2016/08/01
LF006
Question: Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?
Answer(s):
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/08/01
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Judiciary
Comments: The Chamber of Deputies shall have the right to determine the validity of the election of its members. Any voter shall have the right to present a petition to the Secretariat of the Chamber within fifteen days of the announcement of the results of the election in his constituency setting out the legal grounds for invalidating the election of any deputy. No election may be considered invalid unless it has been declared as such by a majority of two-thirds of the members of the Chamber.
Source: Constitution, art. 71: http://www.kinghussein.gov.jo/constitution_jo.html (2016)
Verified: 2016/08/01
LF010
Question: What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
b . Constitutional (or similar) Court c . Superior Court
Comments: The Commission shall reach a decision on objections submitted in accordance with .2 item (1) of this paragraph within seven days as of the receipt of such objections and shall prepare a special list of decisions reached on such objections, regardless of whether they are accepted or rejected. Such lists shall be displayed for seven days by the heads of elections.
The decisions of the Commission taken in accordance with item (2) of this paragraph may be appealed at the court of first instance under whose jurisdiction the relevant district is located within seven days as of the day following the date on which such decisions were put on display.
Courts of first instance shall decide on the objections submitted to them in accordance with this paragraph within seven days as of the date of their receipt by the court registry and their decision shall be final. The court shall provide the Commission with copies of such decisions within three days as of their date of issuance. The Commission shall immediately send copies of such decisions to the Department in order that it take the necessary procedures to correct the preliminary lists within seven days as of the date on which such decisions were received.
Source: The 2016 Parliament Elections Law No. 6, art. 4: http://iec.jo/sites/default/files/2ParliamentaryElectionLawMay2016EN.docx%20%281%29_0.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/08/01
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Regional level c . Local level
Comments: Following the constitutional amendments of 2014, the role of the Independent Election Commission was expanded to include responsibilities in the administration of electoral processes in all public elections, including municipal elections. This also includes the supervision and administration of any other elections as entrusted to it by the government to ensure the highest levels of transparency, integrity and impartiality in the management of various electoral processes.
Source: Independent Election Commission, http://iec.jo/en/content/about-us (2016)
Verified: 2016/08/02
EM003
Question: The national electoral management body reports to:
Answer(s):
b . The Prime Minister d . A national government department
Comments: The Council of Ministers (the Cabinet) may entrust IEC with administrating any other elections or to supervise the same upon request of the authority legally authorized with conducting such elections."
Source: Constitution, art 67(2), http://www.kinghussein.gov.jo/constitution_jo.html (2016)
Verified: 2016/08/02
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
b . The Prime Minister c . The legislature g . Other
Comments: A. The Commission shall have an independent budget to be approved by the Board and shall be submitted to the Prime Minister to be included in a separate chapter under the Budgets of Government Units Law wherein required funds shall be allocated for the commission’s functioning and to enable it to fulfil its obligations.
B. Notwithstanding the contents of Paragraph (A) of the Article, the funds allocated for each electoral process shall be determined and submitted to the Prime Minister.
Source: Law No. 46 of 2015: Law to Amend the Law on the Independent Election Commission, art. 21: http://iec.jo/sites/default/files/4%20Consolidated%20Law%20on%20the%20Independent%20Election%20Commission%202015%20EN%20%281%29_0.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/08/02
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
b . The Prime Minister g . Other
Comments: A. The Commission shall have an independent budget to be approved by the Board and shall be submitted to the Prime Minister to be included in a separate chapter under the Budgets of Government Units Law wherein required funds shall be allocated for the commission’s functioning and to enable it to fulfil its obligations.
B. Notwithstanding the contents of Paragraph (A) of the Article, the funds allocated for each electoral process shall be determined and submitted to the Prime Minister.
Source: Law No. 46 of 2015: Law to Amend the Law on the Independent Election Commission, art. 21: http://iec.jo/sites/default/files/4%20Consolidated%20Law%20on%20the%20Independent%20Election%20Commission%202015%20EN%20%281%29_0.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/08/02
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: The members of the Independent Election Commission are appointed by a royal decree for a non-renewable period of 6 years.
Source: Law No. 46 of 2015: Law to Amend the Law on the Independent Election Commission, art. 6: http://iec.jo/sites/default/files/4%20Consolidated%20Law%20on%20the%20Independent%20Election%20Commission%202015%20EN%20%281%29_0.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/08/02
EM009
What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?
At the end of this process, the IEC stated that the total number of registered voters was 2.27 million or 70 percent of eligible voters, but the number used by citizen election monitoring groups was about 65 percent (for the 2013 parliamentary elections).
Source
IRI Preliminary Statement on Jordan’s Parliamentary Elections 2013: http://www.iri.org/sites/default/files/fields/field_files_attached/resource/jordan_january_2013_parliamentary_election_report_-.pdf (2013)
Verified
2016/08/02
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments: An independent commission named the “Independent Election Commission ” shall be created in the Kingdom. It shall have legal personality and financial and administrative independence. Under this status, it shall have the right to own transferable and non- transferable assets and to undertake all legal procedures necessary to achieve its objectives. It shall have the right to undertake litigation and it shall be represented in judicial procedures by the Civil Public Attorney or any other lawyer it appoints for this purpose.
Source: Law No. 46 of 2015: Law to Amend the Law on the Independent Election Commission, art. 3(A): http://iec.jo/sites/default/files/4%20Consolidated%20Law%20on%20the%20Independent%20Election%20Commission%202015%20EN%20%281%29_0.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/08/02
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: The Commission shall have a Board of Commissioners composed of a Chairman and four members.
Source: Law No. 46 of 2015: Law to Amend the Law on the Independent Election Commission, art. 6: http://iec.jo/sites/default/files/4%20Consolidated%20Law%20on%20the%20Independent%20Election%20Commission%202015%20EN%20%281%29_0.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/08/02
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
b . Expertise
Comments: The Commissioner or Secretary General shall fulfil the following conditions:
1. Must hold the Jordanian nationality for at least 10 years and enjoy full civil
eligibility.
2. Must hold at least the first university degree
3. Must not be a member of the parliament.
4. Must not be below 40 years of age.
5. Must be competent and experienced.
6. Must have a good reputation and conduct and known for integrity.
7. Must not be convicted of any crime or punitive sentence related to misconduct of
morality or public order, honour, honesty, or any other offense, even if subject
person was rehabilitated or included in a general pardon.
8. Must not be a member of any political party.
B. The Commissioner and the Secretary General shall work full-time for the Commission and its activities. He shall not be an employee in the public or private sectors, a merchant, a member of the management board or the board of directors of any company, or a chairman or member of the board of any private or public institution, and he shall not perform any paid work for any entity regardless of its nature.
C. The Commissioner shall undertake the following oath before the King upon the appointment and prior to commencing work:
I swear by Almighty God to be loyal to the King and to the country, and to preserve the constitution, to respect the laws, and to perform the duties entrusted to me with complete honesty, integrity, and impartiality.
D. The Secretary General shall undertake the oath stated in paragraph (C) of this Article before the board.
Source: Law No. 46 of 2015: Law to Amend the Law on the Independent Election Commission, art. 9: http://iec.jo/sites/default/files/4%20Consolidated%20Law%20on%20the%20Independent%20Election%20Commission%202015%20EN%20%281%29_0.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/08/02
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
b . Head of Government e . Legislature f . Judiciary
Comments: A list of proposed names of persons to be appointed in the board shall be submitted to the King. The list shall be prepared by a committee chaired by the Prime Minister and with the membership of each of the speakers of the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament and the president of the Judicial Council.
Source: Law No. 46 of 2015: Law to Amend the Law on the Independent Election Commission, art. B(1): http://iec.jo/sites/default/files/4%20Consolidated%20Law%20on%20the%20Independent%20Election%20Commission%202015%20EN%20%281%29_0.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/08/02
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body
Comments: The Independent Election Commission shall:
Undertake the necessary measures for the registration of voters and candidates according to the provisions of the Law, including the necessary procedures to review and update the voters register, and arrange for objections against them.
Publish the voters lists and candidates’ names on the Commission’s website and any other means of publication specified in the Law.
Establish the rules and procedures for of electoral campaigns and publicity and monitor
them according to executive instructions.
Raise voters' awareness of the importance of participating in the political life and election processes.
Source: Comprised of Law No. 11 of 2012: Law on the Independent Electoral Commission and Law No. 46 of 2015, art. 12: Law to Amend the Law on the Independent Election Commission: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/misc/jordan-consolidated-law-on-the-independent/view
Verified: 2016/08/03
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
b . Election time only
Comments:
Source: Comprised of Law No. 11 of 2012: Law on the Independent Electoral Commission and Law No. 46 of 2015, art. 12: Law to Amend the Law on the Independent Election Commission: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/misc/jordan-consolidated-law-on-the-independent/view
Verified: 2016/08/03
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body
Comments: The Independent Election Commission (IEC) runs a national civic education campaign called "Jordan Votes"
The IEC website includes campaign information: http://www.entikhabat.jo
Source: Comprised of Law No. 11 of 2012: Law on the Independent Electoral Commission and Law No. 46 of 2015, art. 12: Law to Amend the Law on the Independent Election Commission: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/misc/jordan-consolidated-law-on-the-independent/view
Verified: 2016/08/03
VE004
Question: What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Poster/ Billboard campaigns b . Media advertisement g . Internet
Comments: The IEC website includes information on voter education campaigns: http://www.entikhabat.jo
Source:
Verified: 2016/08/03
VE005
Question: What types of civic education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Poster/ Billboard campaigns b . Media advertisement d . Music and theater e . Public meetings g . Internet h . Handouts (printed material) j . Other
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/08/03
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments: Any Jordanian national who became 18 calendar years of age ninety days prior to the date .A established for the elections shall have the right to elect members to the Chamber of Deputies in accordance with the provisions of this Law.
Source: Law on the Election of the House of Representatives
Law No. (6) of 2016, art 3(a): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/misc/jordan-law-on-the-election-of-the-house-of/view
Verified: 2016/08/03
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship
Comments:
Source: Law on the Election of the House of Representatives
Law No. (6) of 2016, art 3(a): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/misc/jordan-law-on-the-election-of-the-house-of/view
Verified: 2016/08/03
VR003
Question: What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
Answer(s):
d . Mental disability e . Military Service h . Other
Comments: Members of the armed forces/the Arab army, General Intelligence Service, the Public Security Department, Gendarmeries and the Civil Defense shall have their right to vote suspended while they are on active service except contractors.
The right to vote shall be denied to:
Any person who has been declared bankrupt and has not been legally rehabilitated;
Persons deemed insane, retarded or persons placed under guardianship by court’s order.
Source: Law on the Election of the House of Representatives
Law No. (6) of 2016, art 3(B)(C): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/misc/jordan-law-on-the-election-of-the-house-of/view
Verified: 2016/08/03
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The Independent Election Commission shall:
Undertake the necessary measures for the registration of voters and candidates according to the provisions of the Law, including the necessary procedures to review and update the voters register, and arrange for objections against them.
Source: Comprised of Law No. 11 of 2012: Law on the Independent Electoral Commission and Law No. 46 of 2015: Law to Amend the Law on the Independent Election Commission, art. 12 (D): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/misc/jordan-consolidated-law-on-the-independent/view
Verified: 2016/08/03
VR005
Question: What is the registration method for national elections?
Answer:
a . National citizens register
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/08/03
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
b . Deposit requirement (specify amount) f . Other
Comments: Any person willing to nominate himself/herself for membership of the Chamber of Deputies shall be registered in a final voter list and shall pay a non-refundable amount of five hundred dinars as revenue to the Treasury;
The list shall pay two thousand dinars as insurance to ensure compliance with the provisions on campaigning as stipulated in this Law. This amount shall be refunded if the application is rejected or if these provisions are not violated.
Applications for candidacy shall, in every district, be submitted in one batch, using the .A form approved by the Board, to the head of elections in the presence of all candidates on
the list. That batch shall include the name of the list to which such candidates are nominated, the names of its members, its emblem and the name of the list delegate; candidates shall attach supporting documents and other data required in accordance with
the provisions of this Law and the executive instructions issued thereunder. The candidates shall be given a receipt.
Source: The 2012 Parliament Elections Law No. 25, art. 12, 14, 16: http://www.entikhabat.jo/Documents/Laws/Election%20Law%20No%2025%20of%202012.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2016/08/03
PC002
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
g . No information available
Comments: The King appoints members of the Senate and appoints the Speaker from amongst them and accepts their resignation.
Source: Constitution, Article 36: http://www.parliament.jo/en/node/150 (2016)
Verified: 2016/08/03
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship
Comments: Candidates must be at least 30 years old and Jordanian citizens since at least 10 years. In addition, a candidate to the House of Representatives must not hold the nationality of another state.
Article 10 – Every candidate for membership of the Chamber of Deputies shall meet the following criteria:
He/she has been a Jordanian national for at least ten years;
He/she does not hold the nationality of any other country
He/she is thirty calendar years of age on the polling day
He/she has not been sentenced for bankruptcy, where his/her legal status has not been rehabilitated
He/she has not been placed under guardianship by court’s order, where such guardianship has not been lifted;
He/she has not been sentenced to imprisonment for more than one year for a non-political crime for which he/she has not been pardoned;
He/she is not deemed insane or retarded;
He/she is not a relative of the King to the degree assigned by special legislation;
He/she is not a contractor for the government, an official public institution or a company .H owned or controlled by the government, or for any official public institution, regardless
of whether such contracting is direct or indirect, with the exception of land and property leasing contracts and of shareholders in a company with more than ten members.
Source: Constitution, art. 75: http://www.parliament.jo/en/node/150 (2016);
Law on the Election of the House of Representatives
Law No. (6), art. 10: http://iec.jo/sites/default/files/2ParliamentaryElectionLawMay2016EN.docx%20%281%29_0.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/08/03
PC004
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship j . Other
Comments: The King appoints members of the Senate and appoints the Speaker from amongst them and accepts their resignation.
In addition to the requirements prescribed in Article 75 of the present Constitution, a Senator must have completed forty calendar years of age and must belong to one of the following classes: Present and former Prime Ministers and Ministers, persons who had previously held the office of Ambassador, Minister Plenipotentiary, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, President and judges of the Court of Cassation and of the Civil and Sharia Courts of Appeal, retired military officers of the rank of Lt. General and above, former Deputies who were elected at least twice as deputies, and other similar personalities who enjoy the confidence of the people in view of the services rendered by them to the Nation and the Country.
Source: Constitution, art. 36 & 64, http://www.parliament.jo/en/node/150 (2016)
Verified: 2016/08/03
PC005
Question: What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
k . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/08/03
PC006
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
Answer(s):
a . Current criminal incarceration h . Bankruptcy or Insolvency k . Mental health problems l . Multiple Citizenship
Comments: No person shall become a Senator or Deputy:
Who is not a Jordanian.
Who claims foreign nationality or protection.
Who was adjudged bankrupt and has not been legally discharged.
Who was interdicted and the interdiction has not been removed.
Who was sentenced to a term of imprisonment exceeding one year for a non-political offence and has not been pardoned.
Who has a material interest in any contract, other than a contract or lease of land and property, with any Department of Government, provided that this provision shall not apply to any shareholder in a company of more than ten members.
Who is insane or an imbecile.
Who is related to the King within a degree of consanguinity to be prescribed by special law.
Should any Senator or Deputy become disqualified during his term of office or should it appear after his election that he lacks one or more of the qualifications provided for in the preceding paragraph, his membership shall, by a resolution of two-thirds of the members of the House to which he belongs, be considered nonexistent and vacant, provided that such a resolution, if passed by the Senate, is submitted to the King for ratification.
Source: Constitution, art. 75: http://www.parliament.jo/en/node/150 (2016)
Verified: 2016/08/03
PC007
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
o . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/08/03
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
a . Neither in presidential nor legislative elections
Comments: For the 2016 elections, candidates can only stand for election on lists, as running individually is not permitted. The 2016 elections mark the first time elections are based on open-party lists.
A person shall nominate himself/herself for membership of the Chamber of Deputies in one electoral district and one list only.
Source: The Law on the Election of the House of Representatives
Law No. (6) of 2016, art. 13: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/misc/jordan-law-on-the-election-of-the-house-of/view (2016)
Verified: 2016/08/03
PC010
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/08/03
PC011
Question: If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
e . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/08/03
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct c . Indirect
Comments:
Source: Political Parties Law 2015, art. 25, 27, 28: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/misc/jordan-law-on-political-parties-law-2015/view (2016)
Verified: 2016/08/03
PC014
Question: If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
Answer(s):
b . Tax credits
Comments: The premises of a party shall be exempted from all government taxes and fees incurred by immovable properties.
Source: Political Parties Law 2015, art. 27: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/misc/jordan-law-on-political-parties-law-2015/view (2016)
Verified: 2016/08/03
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
f . No information available
Comments:
Source: Political Parties Law 2015, art. 25: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/misc/jordan-law-on-political-parties-law-2015/view (2016)
Verified: 2016/08/03
PC016
Question: If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
Answer(s):
c . Unspecified
Comments: C. A party shall spend its money for the purposes and aims provided for in its bylaw without violating this Law.
D. For the purposes of establishing penal liability, the funds of a party shall be considered public funds, and the administrators of party affairs and its staff shall be deemed public servants.
Source: Political Parties Law 2015, art. 26: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/misc/jordan-law-on-political-parties-law-2015/view (2016)
Verified: 2016/08/03
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: A party may accept grants and donations that are identified, announced and specified from natural and corporate Jordanian persons. These grants and donations shall be identified and announced.
Source: Political Parties Law 2015, art. 25: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/misc/jordan-law-on-political-parties-law-2015/view (2016)
Verified: 2016/08/03
PC019
Question: Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
c . Prohibition on party funding from foreign sources
Comments:
Source: Political Parties Law 2015, art. 25: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/misc/jordan-law-on-political-parties-law-2015/view (2016)
Verified: 2016/08/03
PC021
Question: Who is responsible for administering and enforcing party income/funding regulations at national level?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management body c . Government department
Comments: The Prime Minister and the ministers are mandated with the enforcement of this Law.
Source: Political Parties Law 2015, art. 39: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/misc/jordan-law-on-political-parties-law-2015/view (2016)
Verified: 2016/08/03
Vote Counting
VC001
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Single ballot (all registered parties listed)
Comments: Article 33 Voting shall be carried out on the form of ballot paper adopted by the Board. Each ballot paper shall be stamped with the stamp of the electoral district and signed by the chair of the polling and counting committee.
Article 36 – Each ballot box (polling station) in the district shall have one or more screens supplied with pens, the relevant lists of candidates and their names in that district in accordance with Article 16 of this Law.
Source: Law on the Election of the House of Representatives, Law No. (6) of 2016, art 33, 36: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/misc/jordan-law-on-the-election-of-the-house-of/view (2016)
Verified: 2016/08/03
VC002
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
s . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/08/03
VC003
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
s . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/08/03
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments: At the polling and counting center. The location is designated by the Commission within an electoral district for conducting the polling and counting processes.
Source: Law on the Election of the House of Representatives
Law No. (6) of 2016, art. 2, 32: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/misc/jordan-law-on-the-election-of-the-house-of/view (2016)
Verified: 2016/08/05
VC005
Question: What procedures are used in the initial count?
Answer(s):
b . Preliminary count of all ballots in ballot box f . Each ballot paper held up for public scrutiny, with name of party/candidate called out loud
Comments: Article 42 – The polling and counting committee shall open each box before the persons present and shall count the ballots found inside. The chair of the committee or any of its members shall read the ballot in a clear voice, show it clearly to the persons present and write down the votes obtained by each list and by each candidate in the lists on a visible board before the persons
present.
Source: Law on the Election of the House of Representatives, Law No. (6) of 2016, art. 46: http://iec.jo/sites/default/files/2ParliamentaryElectionLawMay2016EN.docx%20%281%29_0.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/08/05
VC006
Question: Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
Answer(s):
a . Polling centre (several polling stations in same building)
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/08/05
VC007
Question: At what levels are seats allocated?
Answer(s):
c . Regional level (specify whether it is constituency/ province/ state/ department/other)
Comments: For parliamentary elections, seats are allocated at a district level (23 constituencies).
Source: The 2016 Parliament Elections Law No. 6, art. 8: http://www.entikhabat.jo/sites/default/files/ElectionNo6-2016.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/08/05
VC008
Question: How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
Answer(s):
a . Physically transported
Comments: The actual voter lists, all used and unused ballot papers, and all ballot papers deemed invalid or blank shall be attached to the form and packed in an envelope for immediate delivery to the head of elections.
Source: Law on the Election of the House of Representatives, Law No. (6) of 2016, art. 45 (C): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/misc/jordan-law-on-the-election-of-the-house-of/view (2016)
Verified: 2016/08/05
VC009
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?
Answer(s):
a . Ballots b . Unused and spoiled ballots d . Voter rolls
Comments: The actual voter lists, all used and unused ballot papers, and all ballot papers deemed invalid or blank shall be attached to the form and packed in an envelope for immediate delivery to the head of elections.
Source: Law on the Election of the House of Representatives, Law No. (6) of 2016, art. 45 (C): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/misc/jordan-law-on-the-election-of-the-house-of/view (2016)
Verified: 2016/08/05
VC010
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
Answer(s):
c . Signatures on sealed envelopes
Comments: After the end of the counting process, the polling and counting committee shall fill in a form, whose format is approved by the Board, in five copies; It shall be signed by the chair
and the members of the committee and by any candidates, or their agents, who are present and wish to do so.
The actual voter lists, all used and unused ballot papers, and all ballot papers deemed invalid or blank shall be attached to the form and packed in an envelope for immediate delivery to the head of elections.
Source: Law on the Election of the House of Representatives, Law No. (6) of 2016, art. 45 (A), (C): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/misc/jordan-law-on-the-election-of-the-house-of/view (2016)
Verified: 2016/08/05
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
d . By request
Comments: If the Board finds any problem in the polling or counting processes in a polling center that could affect any of the preliminary results of the electoral district, it may, where appropriate, cancel the election results in that center and re-conduct the polling and counting processes in that center at the time and in the manner that it deems appropriate.
Source: Law on the Election of the House of Representatives
Law No. (6) of 2016, art. 49: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/misc/jordan-law-on-the-election-of-the-house-of/view
Verified: 2016/08/05
VC013
Question: If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
Answer(s):
c . Election officials
Comments: The Board of Commissioners of the Independent Election Commission (IEC) may request the recount.
Source: Law on the Election of the House of Representatives
Law No. (6) of 2016, art. 49: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/misc/jordan-law-on-the-election-of-the-house-of/view
Verified: 2016/08/05
VC014
Question: If recounted, who conducts the recount?
Answer(s):
a . National Election Management body
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/08/05
VC015
Question: Are preliminary results announced?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Once the Board decides to approve the preliminary results of the elections in the electoral districts, the results shall be deemed to be final in those districts.
The Board shall announce the final election results, which shall be published in the Official Gazette.
Source: Law on the Election of the House of Representatives
Law No. (6) of 2016, art. 50, 51: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/misc/jordan-law-on-the-election-of-the-house-of/view
Verified: 2016/08/05
Media and Elections
ME002
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned b . Government owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/08/05
ME003
Question: Which of the following types of television stations are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned b . Government owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/08/05
ME004
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned b . Government owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/08/05
ME005
Question: Which of the following do you believe best describes the print media situation at the national level in your country?
Answer:
a . Government newspaper holds a monopoly
Comments: Both print media and online outlets must register with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and obtain licenses from the Media Commission. Journalists must belong to the Jordan Press Association (JPA) to work legally. Those who are critical of the government have sometimes been excluded from JPA membership.
Source: Jordan, Freedom of the Press 2015 https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-press/2015/jordan
Verified: 2016/08/05
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments:
Source: The 2012 Parliament Elections Law No. 25, art. 22 (A): http://www.entikhabat.jo/Documents/Laws/Election%20Law%20No%2025%20of%202012.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/01/25
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
d . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2013/01/25
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
g . No information available
Comments:
Source: The 2012 Parliament Elections Law No. 25: http://www.entikhabat.jo/Documents/Laws/Election%20Law%20No%2025%20of%202012.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2013/01/25
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/08/05
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: http://www.kinghussein.gov.jo/constitution_jo.html (2012)
Verified: 2016/08/05
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: http://www.kinghussein.gov.jo/constitution_jo.html (2012)
Verified: 2016/08/05
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: http://www.kinghussein.gov.jo/constitution_jo.html (2012)
Verified: 2016/08/05
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: http://www.kinghussein.gov.jo/constitution_jo.html (2012)
Verified: 2016/08/05
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: http://www.kinghussein.gov.jo/constitution_jo.html (2012)
Verified: 2016/08/05
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: http://www.kinghussein.gov.jo/constitution_jo.html (2012)
Verified: 2016/08/05
DD008
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for mandatory referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/08/05
DD009
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for optional referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/08/05
DD010
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for citizens' initiatives at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/08/05
DD100
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/08/05
DD101
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a recall?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/08/05
DD102
Question: What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a referendum?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/08/05
DD127
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign for a recall?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: constitution
Verified: 2005/05/01
DD017
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution
Verified: 2005/05/01
DD018
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution
Verified: 2005/05/01
DD019
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution
Verified: 2005/05/01
DD020
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution
Verified: 2005/05/01
DD027
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
Answer(s):
k . None
Comments: They are not discussed on the national level, only in the government
Source: Constitution
Verified: 2005/05/01
DD028
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
Answer(s):
k . None
Comments: They are not discussed on the national level, only in the government
Source: Constitution
Verified: 2005/05/01
DD029
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
Answer(s):
k . None
Comments: They are not discussed on the national level, only in the government
Source: Constitution
Verified: 2005/05/01
DD043
Question: When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
Answer:
c . Never
Comments: The King has the final decision
Source: constitution
Verified: 2005/05/01
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution: http://www.representatives.jo/pdf/constitution_en.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2012/08/17
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution: http://www.representatives.jo/pdf/constitution_en.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2012/08/17
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source: Constitution: http://www.representatives.jo/pdf/constitution_en.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2012/08/17
Voting Operations
VO002
Question: Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Jordan: Consolidated Law on the Independent Election Commission (2015): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/misc/jordan-law-on-the-election-of-the-house-of/view
Verified: 2016/08/05
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Comments: The voter shall vote in the polling center to which he/she is assigned within his/her electoral district.
Source: Law on the Election of the House of Representatives
Law No. 6/2016, art. 28 (A): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/misc/jordan-law-on-the-election-of-the-house-of/view (2016)
Verified: 2016/08/05
VO006
Question: Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
Answer:
a . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/08/05
VO007
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/08/05
VO008
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/08/05
VO009
Question: Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/08/05
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments: Every voter shall exercise his/her right to vote as follows:
When the voter appears before the polling and counting committee, the committee shall
.A verify his/her identity and make sure that his/her name is registered in the final voter list for that district by checking the computer and the hard-copies of the list. The list shall be marked electronically and by hand to indicate that the voter has exercised his/her right to
vote.
B. The chair of the polling and counting committee or one of its two members shall give the actual voter a ballot paper.
C. The actual voter shall: (i) mark in the designated place the name, number or emblem of one of the lists standing for election in that electoral district; (ii) mark in the designated place of one or more of the candidate names in that specific list
Source: Law on the Election of the House of Representatives
Law No. 6/2016, art. 37: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/misc/jordan-law-on-the-election-of-the-house-of/view (2016)
Verified: 2016/08/05
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