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US supports Abdullah's efforts for more democracy in Jordan

Other News Materials 6 October 2012 01:33 (UTC +04:00)

A day after Jordan's King Abdullah II called for early elections, the United States expressed support on Friday for his efforts "to foster a more inclusive political process.", dpa reported.

The king on Thursday dissolved the country's much-maligned parliament, which has been beset by accusations of corruption and acting as a rubber stamp for consecutive governments.

US State Department deputy spokesman Mark Toner said the moves were "in line" with Abdullah's commitment to "a more inclusive democracy and more representative democracy in Jordan."

The highly anticipated moves paved the way for early parliamentary elections, which the monarch has repeatedly declared will be held by the end of the year.

Jordan began preparation for the polls with a registration drive in August, with 1.9 out of 3 million eligible voters registered as of Thursday. Toner said the US encouraged the Jordanian government to take steps to ensure a "free and fair election."

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