Scores of Jordanians demonstrated in front of the parliament on Wednesday to protest proposed amendments to the constitution related to election law and political parties, arguing that further steps are necessary, dpa reported.
The protest coincided with the start of a debate at the lower house on the amendments, recently proposed by a royal panel set up by King Abdullah II three months ago to revise the constitution.
"This demonstration is intended to send a message to those who are concerned that this house is not qualified to endorse any amendments to the constitution," said Salem Falahat, former leader of the Muslim Brotherhood movement.
"We are in dire need for the revision of all articles of the constitution so that the principle - the people is the source of powers - is recognized in an effective and practical manner," he added.
The royal panel proposed a number of amendments to the constitution, including the creation of a constitutional court, the supervision of elections by an independent body and the trial of ministers by civilian courts.
The suggested amendments were rejected by the Islamic-led opposition, which insisted on curtailments to the king's powers and the appointment of a prime minister.
The Brotherhood and its political arm, the Islamic Action Front (IAF), also called for the direct election of the upper house of parliament, instead of appointment of its members by the king, and the disbandment of the State Security Court.
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