Jordan voters prioritize unemployment over Gaza war concerns

On September 10, 2024, voters in Jordan participated in parliamentary elections, focusing primarily on domestic issues, particularly high unemployment rates. The elections were conducted under a new system introduced in 2022, which aimed to enhance democratization by allowing candidates to run under national parties instead of as individuals. This change was intended to diminish tribal influence in national politics and promote a more party-oriented political landscape. The political arm of the opposition Muslim Brotherhood, which had previously boycotted elections, sought to leverage public discontent regarding the ongoing Gaza war to gain support. Their campaign emphasized opposition to the war and called for an end to Jordan's security cooperation with Israel, as well as advocating for the establishment of a Palestinian state. Given that a significant portion of Jordan's population is of Palestinian descent, these issues resonate deeply with many voters. Analysts suggest that while the Muslim Brotherhood's campaign has capitalized on the Gaza conflict, it is unlikely to overshadow the pressing concern of unemployment among voters. The party's strategy included framing the act of not voting for them as a form of normalization with Israel, thereby attempting to galvanize support through emotional appeals. As the election results were anticipated overnight, the focus remained on how effectively the Muslim Brotherhood could translate public sentiment regarding Gaza into electoral success, especially in light of the more pressing domestic economic issues that voters prioritized.