WORLD : Hussein Satisfied With Election, Sees Liberalized Political Life
AMMAN, Jordan — King Hussein today promised a referendum on a plan to liberalize political life in Jordan, following a parliamentary election in which Islamic groups made striking gains.
The king described the general election, the first in 22 years, as the start of a new phase in Jordan’s life.
“I’m satisfied with all the results of this election,” he told a news conference held after Interior Minister Salem Masa’deh read the final returns from Wednesday’s vote.
“We wanted to see things exactly as they are,” the king said. “I’m proud that the opportunity to take part was given to everyone in Jordan from the extreme right to the extreme left.”
King Hussein said people with varying political views would help draw up a national covenant to regulate political life.
He gave no details but said the covenant would be put to the people in a referendum. Asked if the ban on political parties would be lifted, he said: “This is the aim.”
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