Jordan passes reformed law for 2012 elections

AMMAN, Jordan (AP) -- Jordan's legislature has passed elections reforms in advance of a parliamentary vote scheduled for later this year.

Street protesters had demanded changes to the previous law dating from 2001, which the Islamist opposition says favors pro-government candidates and produces docile legislatures.

The new law gives a significant concession to the opposition by allowing each eligible voter two votes, compared with one under the previous system. One vote goes to local candidates and the other to a national list, giving country-wide ideological alliances like the Islamists a better chance to compete with region- or family-based politicians.

The law, passed late Tuesday and distributed to the media Wednesday, also increased seats in the Chamber of Deputies from 120 to 140.

A final date for the vote has not yet been set.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)