The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

Jordan’s Jan. 23 parliamentary elections resulted in a new 150-member Parliament largely dominated by government loyalists and “tribal figures who run patronage networks.” Some observers complained that the election commission's rules gave an advantage to rural districts with strong government support. “To the growing protest movement, the country’s weak legislators have come to symbolize the divisive policies of the government and the reluctance of Jordan’s rulers to yield power.”

Nonetheless, international observers saw improvements in this election—the first since the start of the Arab uprisings—over previous elections “which were widely seen as rigged.” NDI’s 50-person observation delegation noted positive changes like preprinted ballots and improved voter processing procedures.

But the delegation also said that the elections are still “‘profoundly local contests where candidates are elected as service providers and representatives of parochial interests, rather than national legislators able to hold the executive branch to account or propose laws.’”