Jordan's King Abdullah II on Thursday (June 28th) ordered parliament to convene next month to amend the country's electoral law, AFP reported.

According to a royal statement, the king requested parliament members to "hold an extraordinary session […] to help ensure wider public participation in the process".

Last week, parliament endorsed a new law allowing voters to cast one ballot for a local candidate and one for national parties or coalitions. However, only 17 seats can be contested by party and coalition candidates.

"The new law should increase the number of these seats to help develop political life in the country," the statement said.