Replacement of sacked MP named, to take oath Wednesday

AMMAN — The Independent Election Commission (IEC) has sent a memorandum to the Lower House naming Ramzi Al-Ajarmeh as a candidate to replace former MP Osama Al-Ajarmeh who was fired for making “offensive remarks” and inciting riots. اضافة اعلان

Ramzi Al-Ajarmeh, who came second on Amman Fifth District’s winning ticket is scheduled to be sworn in on Wednesday.

The Lower House on Monday morning sent an official letter to the IEC informing it of its decision to fire Ajarmeh and requesting that it names his replacement.

Under Jordan’s Election Law, should a seat in the Lower House become vacant for any reason, it would be filled by the runner-up candidate from the same winning list in the polls, and should that be not possible, the seat would be filled by a candidate from the list with the second highest votes.

The newcomer, a lawyer by profession, told Jordan News that he “stands by the state and supports national unity,” adding that what his predecessor did was “an individual act that does not represent the [Ajarmeh] clan”. 

Meanwhile, A Royal Decree was issued on Monday proroguing Parliament’s extraordinary session as of Thursday, June 10, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The House on Sunday voted by more than the mandated two thirds to oust Osama Ajarmeh, as his supporters had staged riots in the Naur area, prompting police to use force to bring the situation under control.

During the session, 108 MPs out of 119 present voted in favor of expelling the former lawmaker, who had tendered his resignation after the House froze his membership for a year last month, citing his unacceptable remarks and conduct under the dome. 

In his remarks during the session, Lower House Speaker Abdul-Munem Al-Oudat strongly condemned “distorted statements targeting His Majesty the King” and any actions that would harm social cohesion.

Responding to the violence, Gendarmerie forces stormed an area in Naur where protesters and supporters of Ajarmeh had gathered and prepared to receive supporters from other tribes.

Video footage circulating on social media and confirmed by witnesses show law enforcement using tear gas and confiscating tents.

Read more National