Polls Open In Jordan Election Boycotted By Islamists

Polling stations opened on Wednesday in Jordanian elections boycotted by the Muslim Brotherhood, which says the electoral system is rigged in favor of tribal areas and against the large urban centers.

Eyewitnesses reported queues of about a dozen people apiece at several polling stations across the kingdom just before the polls opened at 7 a.m. (0400 GMT).

Officials appealed for a high turnout among the 2.4 million eligible voters, predicting Jordanians would disregard the Islamist call for a boycott.

The boycott has reduced the election to a contest between tribal leaders, establishment figures and businessmen, with just a few of the 1,500 candidates running for recognized parties. Allegations of vote-buying are rife.

Reuters