After polls, Jordan king tasks PM with forming new govt

By Laith al-Junaidi

AMMAN

Jordan’s King Abdullah II on Sunday evening instructed Prime Minister Hani al-Mulki to draw up a new government, Jordan's official PETRA news agency has reported.

The move came after the king accepted the resignation of the outgoing government following parliamentary polls held last week.

Last Tuesday, Jordan held elections for members of its 18th parliament that saw 1,252 candidates vie for seats in the 130-seat assembly.

Once the new government -- the 17th to be formed since Abdullah II came to power in 1999 -- is drawn up, the new parliament will vote on whether or not to grant it confidence.

Last week’s polls saw the National Alliance for Reform list -- which included candidates from Jordan’s Muslim Brotherhood -- clinch 15 seats in the assembly, meaning the group will now enjoy a parliamentary presence following an eight-year absence.