A New Political Era in Jordan: Islamic Action Front Gains Momentum in Parliament
Jordan’s parliamentary elections have delivered a historic result for the Islamic Action Front (IAF), the largest opposition party, which has won 32 seats, marking the party's best-ever performance. As the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood, the IAF has long been a significant player in Jordanian politics. However, this latest victory signals a turning point, as the IAF is now poised to have a much stronger influence in shaping Jordan's political and economic future.
These elections were the first to be held under Jordan’s newly revamped electoral law, introduced in 2022. This law, designed to strengthen the role of political parties in the country’s governance, allocated 41 out of 138 parliamentary seats to party lists, a significant shift from Jordan's tribal-dominated political system. The IAF, taking full advantage of the new law, won 18 seats on the national party list and 14 more on local lists, including in traditionally tribal areas.
The gains made by the IAF reflect the changing political mood in Jordan. The country has been deeply affected by regional conflicts, especially the ongoing war in Gaza. Etaf Roudan, a seasoned Jordanian journalist, pointed out that the IAF's success was not surprising, given the party's political experience and ability to forge strong alliances with influential tribal and societal forces. "They know how to navigate Jordanian society, and they were able to activate these alliances during the election period," Roudan explained.
These elections were the first to be held under Jordan’s newly revamped electoral law, introduced in 2022. This law, designed to strengthen the role of political parties in the country’s governance, allocated 41 out of 138 parliamentary seats to party lists, a significant shift from Jordan's tribal-dominated political system. The IAF, taking full advantage of the new law, won 18 seats on the national party list and 14 more on local lists, including in traditionally tribal areas.
The gains made by the IAF reflect the changing political mood in Jordan. The country has been deeply affected by regional conflicts, especially the ongoing war in Gaza. Etaf Roudan, a seasoned Jordanian journalist, pointed out that the IAF's success was not surprising, given the party's political experience and ability to forge strong alliances with influential tribal and societal forces. "They know how to navigate Jordanian society, and they were able to activate these alliances during the election period," Roudan explained.
Popular Support Amid Regional Unrest
The IAF’s electoral success can be attributed, in large part, to its position on the Palestinian issue. With half of Jordan's population being of Palestinian origin, the ongoing war in Gaza has become a central issue for many voters. The Muslim Brotherhood, through the IAF, has been at the forefront of large protests in support of the Palestinians and Hamas, the group’s ideological ally. According to Murad al-Adaileh, the IAF’s secretary-general, the party's performance in the previous parliament and its principled stance on Gaza earned them the trust of Jordanian voters.
This support was further bolstered by an incident just two days before the elections, when a Jordanian gunman killed three Israeli guards at the border with the occupied West Bank. This event highlighted the escalating tensions between Jordan and Israel and may have influenced voters to back the IAF, which has been a vocal critic of Israel's policies.
Adaileh also highlighted the importance of Jordan's next parliament in confronting the challenges posed by Israel's extreme right-wing government. "The new parliament must be strong in its stance against the extreme Israeli right, especially with the possibility of Trump returning to power in the US," he said.
This support was further bolstered by an incident just two days before the elections, when a Jordanian gunman killed three Israeli guards at the border with the occupied West Bank. This event highlighted the escalating tensions between Jordan and Israel and may have influenced voters to back the IAF, which has been a vocal critic of Israel's policies.
Adaileh also highlighted the importance of Jordan's next parliament in confronting the challenges posed by Israel's extreme right-wing government. "The new parliament must be strong in its stance against the extreme Israeli right, especially with the possibility of Trump returning to power in the US," he said.
Addressing Jordan’s Economic Crisis
While the IAF’s strong position on foreign policy issues has helped boost its popularity, the party also addressed the growing economic frustrations of Jordan’s citizens. Jordan is facing an economic crisis, with public debt nearing $50 billion and unemployment rates reaching 21 percent in the first quarter of the year. Many young Jordanians are leaving the country, unable to find work or economic stability at home.
Dima Tahboub, a newly elected IAF MP, has outlined the party's plan to tackle these challenges. The IAF's economic strategy, "Jordan 2030," aims to reduce unemployment, stimulate economic growth, and provide solutions to the rising poverty and economic hardship faced by many Jordanians. Tahboub emphasized that the party's focus will be on implementing practical solutions to improve the quality of life for all citizens.
Despite these pressing issues, voter turnout in the elections remained low. Only 32 percent of the 5.1 million eligible voters participated in the election, slightly higher than the turnout in 2020. This apathy reflects widespread frustration with the political system and a lack of confidence in its ability to address the country's challenges.
As official results continue to come in, the IAF's gains underscore a significant shift in Jordan’s political landscape. The party’s unprecedented success reflects both the changing regional dynamics and the domestic challenges facing the country. Looking ahead, the IAF’s role in parliament will be crucial as Jordan navigates its economic woes, rising public discontent, and ongoing tensions with Israel.
Dima Tahboub, a newly elected IAF MP, has outlined the party's plan to tackle these challenges. The IAF's economic strategy, "Jordan 2030," aims to reduce unemployment, stimulate economic growth, and provide solutions to the rising poverty and economic hardship faced by many Jordanians. Tahboub emphasized that the party's focus will be on implementing practical solutions to improve the quality of life for all citizens.
Despite these pressing issues, voter turnout in the elections remained low. Only 32 percent of the 5.1 million eligible voters participated in the election, slightly higher than the turnout in 2020. This apathy reflects widespread frustration with the political system and a lack of confidence in its ability to address the country's challenges.
As official results continue to come in, the IAF's gains underscore a significant shift in Jordan’s political landscape. The party’s unprecedented success reflects both the changing regional dynamics and the domestic challenges facing the country. Looking ahead, the IAF’s role in parliament will be crucial as Jordan navigates its economic woes, rising public discontent, and ongoing tensions with Israel.
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