The opposition says Jordan’s new election law favours candidates who support King Abdullah Jordanians are due to vote in parliamentary elections that have been boycotted by the strongest opposition party, the Islamic Action Front (IAF).
The IAF objects to a new law which reduced seats from urban areas while increasing representation from tribal areas which support King Abdullah.
The IAF draws its support from Palestinian-populated urban areas.
Voter turnout is expected to be low amid concerns over a sluggish economy and rising prices for basic goods.
The IAF – the political party of the Muslim Brotherhood – pulled out of the vote saying the electoral system is biased in favour of the ruling Hashemites, Jordan’s ruling family.
Tuesday’s election follows a year of direct royal rule, after King Abdullah dissolved the previous parliament – which was widely accused of being ineffective – half-way through its four-year term.
A fresh poll was delayed to allow a new election law to be drafted but critics say that this ignored demands for reform.
This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.