Jordan vows reforms to avert protests

Mon Aug 15, 2011

Jordan's King Abdullah II has backed proposals for constitutional reforms that grants more powers to the parliament while critics cry foul, insisting that such reforms are not authentic.

King Abdullah agreed on Sunday to changes in the nearly 60-year-old constitution of the country amid escalating protests that demand for real political reforms and an end to government corruption, the Associated Press reported.

The critics have censured the reforms as not sufficient, stressing that they still allow Abdullah to maintain most of his absolute powers. They also emphasize that the introduction of constitutional changes is intended to avert growing popular protests against the regime's dictatorial rule.

"This is part of the government's gimmicks to block real reforms," said Wael Atout, a 28-year-old anti-regime protester, adding that "The changes are insufficient; we said we want to be able to elect our prime ministers."

In April, the king of Jordan appointed a panel to introduce amendments to the kingdom's 1952 constitution. The panel submitted its proposals to king Abdullah on Sunday.

Jordan's constitution has been widely criticized for marginalizing the parliament and limiting its powers.

The amendments are slated to pave the way for choosing a premier from a parliamentary majority rather than having one selected by the autocratic monarch.

It will also prepare the ground for the creation of institutions that guarantee that the state respects the constitution and lives up to its principles.

The proposed amendments are expected to be approved by mid-September.

Protest rallies have been staged across Jordan for seven months to push the government to increase the powers of the parliament. Jordanians are also demanding lower prices for food, a greater participation in politics, and the election of a prime minister.

Source: PressTV.
Link: http://www.presstv.com/detail/193987.html.