Preliminary results of Jordan's parliamentary elections indicate that the Islamic Action Front (IAF), the largest opposition party, has secured 32 seats so far. This marks a major milestone for the IAF, which has traditionally been overshadowed by tribal and pro-government factions in the country's political landscape.

Jordan conducted its first general election under a new electoral law designed to enhance the role of political parties in the 138-seat parliament. The revised law aimed to reduce the dominance of tribal influences and strengthen the presence of political parties. Despite these changes, tribal, centrist, and pro-government members will still wield significant power in the parliament.

Under the 2022 electoral law, which allocated 41 seats for parties out of the total 138 seats, the IAF claimed up to a fifth of the seats. Preliminary figures show that the IAF won 18 seats on the party list and an additional 14 seats on local lists, including in tribal regions. The party has particularly gained momentum in the capital city of Amman, where it reportedly won all the quota seats.

Political analysts had anticipated these gains for the IAF, attributing them to the party's long-standing presence and its ability to form alliances with influential tribal and societal forces. The IAF's position on the Palestinian issue, especially during Israel's recent conflict with Gaza, has also attracted support from leftists, traditional nationalists, and tribal groups.

Murad al-Adaileh, the secretary-general of the IAF, expressed gratitude for the support received, citing the party's performance in the previous parliament and its stance on the Gaza war as key factors in garnering votes. Echoing Adaileh's sentiment, Dima Tahboub, an IAF MP, emphasized that the party's focus in the new parliament will be on addressing the regional crisis, economic challenges, and the impact of ongoing conflicts on Jordan.

Jordan is grappling with economic challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent downturn in its tourism sector. The country's public debt has soared close to $50 billion, while unemployment stands at 21 percent. Voters are hopeful that the IAF's economic plan, dubbed "Jordan 2030," will tackle pressing issues such as unemployment and poverty rates.

Despite the notable gains made by the IAF, voter apathy remains a concern. Initial official figures indicate that voter turnout across the 18 electoral districts was 32 percent, a slight increase from the previous election in 2020. Official results are expected to be declared later today, once the outcomes of the remaining nine local districts are announced.

The IAF's significant gains in Jordan's parliamentary elections signify a shifting political landscape and a desire for change among Jordanian voters. As the party prepares to take on a more prominent role in the new parliament, all eyes will be on them to see how they navigate the country's pressing challenges and work towards a better future for Jordan and its people.