Feb 25 • 19:18 UTC 🇶🇦 Qatar Al Jazeera

Official Jordanian Request to Change Name of the 'Islamic Action Front' Party

Jordan's Independent Election Commission has officially requested the Islamic Action Front party to change its name to remove any religious, sectarian, or ethnic connotations, citing legal requirements.

On Wednesday, Jordan's Independent Election Commission announced that it had formally informed the Islamic Action Front party, which is the political wing of the banned Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan, that it must change its name to remove any religious, sectarian, or ethnic implications. This directive stems from a legal stipulation in the Political Parties Law No. 7 of 2022, which prohibits the establishment of political parties based on religious, sectarian, or ethnic grounds.

The Commission emphasized that the name of the party is an integral part of its bylaws and reflects its political identity; therefore, it must be compliant with the law by avoiding any discriminatory connotations. This requirement follows a previous notification sent to the party on February 17 regarding similar violations, highlighting ongoing scrutiny and pressures on political entities associated with religious movements in Jordan.

This move raises questions about the future of the Islamic Action Front within Jordan's political landscape, especially considering its historical ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and the broader implications for political pluralism in the country. The requirement to alter its name could symbolize governmental efforts to reduce the influence of religiously affiliated parties and ensure adherence to secular principles in political discourse, which could lead to significant changes in the dynamics of opposition politics in Jordan.

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