Ahmed Al-Safadi was chosen as the new speaker of the Jordanian House of Representatives on Monday. The election took place in the first round where Al-Safadi managed to obtain 98 votes out of a total of 138, thus outperforming his rival, Saleh Al-Armouti, who received only 37 votes.
According to the internal regulations of the House, the relative majority makes it possible to win the presidency when there are only two candidates in the running. On the other hand, an absolute majority is necessary if several candidates present themselves for the position.
Al-Safadi is the first speaker of the 20th House of Representatives, following the elections on September 10. Notably, he has already held this position during two consecutive terms in the previous legislature.
It is important to note that the Jordanian Parliament is bicameral and composed of a Senate, whose members are appointed by the king, and a House of Representatives whose members are elected.
