His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday stressed that all Jordanians are looking forward to see parliamentary elections held this year in complete fairness, transparency and neutrality.

Receiving the president and members of the Independent Elections Commission (IEC), King Abdullah voiced support for the agency to help conduct the parliamentary elections before the end of this year.

The King also underlined that the IEC is a major pillar in efforts to prepare the stage for a new era in the Kingdom’s history, noting that he will not tolerate any delay or hindrance to the commission’s work.

In addition, His Majesty underscored that the upcoming parliamentary elections should be conducted according to the highest levels of impartiality and transparency that ultimately bring about a competent Chamber of Deputies that represents all segments of society and can perform its legislative and monitoring duties with complete professionalism.

The King also stressed that the IEC’s success is key to political reform, urging the Commission to carry out its duties in line with its mandate so that parliamentary elections be held in a manner that meets people’s expectations.

President of the IEC Board of Commissioners Abdul Ilah Khatib pledged that the agency, which was established under the Constitutional amendments endorsed in September, will be up to the ambitions of His Majesty and all Jordanians and will perform its duties with complete responsibility, objectivity and neutrality.

In statements to the Jordan News Agency, Petra, and Jordan TV following the meeting, Khatib said that the IEC members immediately embarked on the job upon the inception of the body earlier this month, adding that they are in the process of setting up the commission’s structure and recruiting qualified staff.