Islamist Party Gains Influence in Jordan’s Parliament Amid Gaza Conflict

Islamist Party Gains Ground in Jordan Amid Gaza Conflict

An Islamist party that positioned its campaign around strong opposition to the Israeli invasion of Gaza has achieved a noteworthy success in the recent elections held in Jordan. Results released on Wednesday indicate that the Islamic Action Front, which serves as the political wing of the Muslim Brotherhood, will now have a more substantial presence in Jordan’s Parliament. This comes at a time when the Brotherhood faces bans in several other Arab nations.

According to the electoral commission’s announcements, the Islamic Action Front won a total of 31 out of 138 seats in Parliament. This victory allows them to control a significant bloc, giving them a more prominent voice in the legislative process.

However, it is anticipated that the government will maintain a considerable majority, as two parties allied with it have collectively secured around 70 seats. Additionally, independent deputies, representatives of smaller parties, and those selected through a quota system are expected to support government initiatives. As a result, while the Islamists may enjoy increased representation, the overall stability and reputation of Jordan as one of the region’s more politically open countries are likely to remain intact.

Analysts suggest that the election results are seen as a prudent move by the government to address public discontent regarding the Israeli military actions against Hamas in Gaza, which have resulted in the tragic loss of tens of thousands of lives. Neil Quilliam, a specialist in Jordanian and regional politics at the Chatham House think tank in London, described the election outcome as a kind of safety valve for the rising public anger over the ongoing conflict.