Riyadh Shakaa, president of the Independent Elections Commission (IEC), took the oath of office before His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday.

Asma Khader, Mohammad Masalha, Samar Hajj Hasan and Ali Harout were also sworn in as members of the IEC board of commissioners.

Following the ceremony, King Abdullah underlined the importance of building on the achievements of the IEC, which has made strides in preparing and supervising parliamentary elections.

His Majesty noted that the commission, which is part of Jordan's comprehensive reform process, enjoys "distinguished" regional standing.

The King stressed the IEC's independence and the need to develop its work through coordinating and cooperating with all stakeholders based on best international practices and in accordance with the highest standards of integrity, transparency and objectivity, contributing to realising development requirements that improve citizens' trust in state institutions.

A Royal Decree was issued on April 23, restructuring the IEC board of commissioners.