(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - King Abdullah agreed on Sunday to changes in the nearly 60-year-old constitution of the country amid escalating protests that demand for real political reforms and an end to government corruption.
The critics have censured the reforms as not sufficient, stressing that they still allow Abdullah to maintain most of his absolute powers. They also emphasize that the introduction of constitutional changes is intended to avert growing popular protests against the regime's dictatorial rule.
In April, the king of Jordan appointed a panel to introduce amendments to the kingdom's 1952 constitution. The panel submitted its proposals to king Abdullah on Sunday.
Jordan's constitution has been widely criticized for marginalizing the parliament and limiting its powers.
Protest rallies have been staged across Jordan for seven months to push the government to increase the powers of the parliament. Jordanians are also demanding lower prices for food, a greater participation in politics, and the election of a prime minister.
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