Jordan sets up panel for amendment of the election law

Amman - Jordanian Prime Minister Nader Dahabi on Tuesday formed an ad hoc committee to amend a controversial election law, which the Islamic-led opposition calls a major obstacle to political reforms in the country. The panel, which is chaired by Dahabi himself, comprises a number of cabinet ministers, a statement from the premier's office said.

Last week, King Abdullah II dissolved the lower house of parliament and called for early elections in the wake of a series of opinion polls that revealed public dissatisfaction with its performance.

He also asked Dahabi to prepare for transparent and fair polls that would make Jordan "a model" for democracy in the region.