1929 Transjordanian general election

General elections were held in Transjordan on 2 April 1929, the first in the country's history.[1]

Elections hall on 2 April 1929

Background

Following the preparation of electoral laws and a draft constitution by the Jordanian authorities in 1923, the British government declared an intention to recognise the independence of the country and prepare a treaty.[1] However, the treaty was not signed until 20 February 1928.[1]

Electoral system

The 1928 basic law provided for a unicameral Legislative Council. The 16 elected members were joined by the six-member cabinet, which included the Prime Minister.[1] The term length was set at three years.[1]

Results

The sixteen elected members were:

Najeeb al-Shraideh Abdallah al-Kulayb Oqla Mohammad al-Nsuir Najeeb Abu al-Sha'ar

Sa`id al-Mufti Ala'a al-Dien Touqan Shams al-Dien Sami Saeed al-Saleepi

Mohammad al-Ensi Najeeb al-Ibrahim Ata Allah a-Shemat Refefan al-Majali

Odeh al-Qsous Saleh al-Oran Hamad Bin Jazi Methqal al-Fayez

After being appointed Director of Antiquities, Ala'a al-Dien Touqan resigned from the council. In a by-election held on 14 November 1929, Nadmi Abd Al-Hadi was elected to replace him.[1]

Aftermath

Hassan Khalid Abu al-huda remained Prime Minister, and joined the Council along with the ministers Reda Tawfiq, Hussam al-Dien Jaar Allah, Aref al-Aref, Abd al-Rahman Ghareeb and Alin Karkbried.[1] On 17 October 1929 al-Huda formed a new government, which included Ibrahim Hashem, Tawfik Abu al-Huda, Ala'a al-Dien Touqan, Odeh al-Qsous and Sa`id al-Mufti.[1]

The council was dissolved on 9 January 1931 after rejecting the budget annex.[1] Early elections were held on 10 June.[1]

References

1. Parliamentary Life during the Emirate Era (1923-1946) Parliament of Jordan