Jordanians vote for new parliament

Jordanians began voting today for a new parliament after a campaign that focused on concerns about the economy and anger at Israel over stalled peace talks.

Jordanians began voting on Tuesday for a new parliament after a campaign that focused on concerns about the economy and anger at Israel over stalled peace talks.

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Pro-government politicians, particularly tribesmen with strong ties to the king, are expected to sweep the election because the largest opposition group, the fundamentalist Islamic Action Front, is boycotting to protest voting rules it calls unfair. That means that any criticism from parliament over King Abdullah's strongly pro-Western policies or pressure from lawmakers for him to be tougher with Israel will likely only be cosmetic.

Voting got off to a slow start with only a handful of voters outside polling stations in some Amman districts.