Jordan Enacts Political Parties Reform Law Jordan's parliament has passed a law to encourage a multiparty political system, a key reform measure. It would allow parties to compete in elections based on political platforms. The previous system encouraged voting for tribal affiliation. That produced docile legislatures dominated by conservative backers of King Abdullah II. There have been 17 months of relatively mild street protests calling for curtailing some of the king's absolute powers. The king is trying to satisfy activists by giving elected representatives a greater say in politics. He promised to allow the elected parliament to choose a prime minister. Parliamentary elections are expected later this year. Under the current system, Abdullah has the sole power to appoint all Cabinet members. Lawmakers said during their debate Wednesday that the new law is "progressive."