Jordanians voted on Tuesday in a parliamentary election boycotted by the influential Muslim Brotherhood and liberal groups in protest at an election law they say erodes democracy. Analysts expect the poll to produce a compliant parliament ready to support tough economic policies put forward by the government - which is appointed by King Abdullah - aimed at spurring growth and cutting a record $2 billion budget deficit.
A dozen voters queued up in the Bedouin district of Mafraq before polling stations opened at 7 am (0500 GMT). In another part of Amman, at the Wihdat camp for Palestinian refugees, candidates brought in dozens of supporters by bus. Government officials have promised the elections will be free, fair and open to diplomatic and international observers, and warned the opposition they were in no position to criticise a process they pulled out of months ago.
"Those who don't vote will not be participating with others in shaping their country's future," Prime Minister Samir al-Rifai told state television after casting his vote in Amman. Jordan is trying to cut its deficit to 1.06 billion dinars ($1.5 billion) next year and is targeting five percent economic growth, still below levels before the global financial crisis. The Islamic Action Front, small opposition parties and a number of prominent independent figures pulled out in protest at what they say has been the steady weakening of parliament by successive governments.