Thousands protest for political change in Jordan From Sara Sidner and Ashley Fantz, CNN October 5, 2012 -- Updated 1416 GMT (2216 HKT) Protesters in Amman said they want the king to have less control Protest comes less than a day after king dissolved parliament, called for new elections Rally happening amid Arab Spring movement in the region pushing for democratic reform Amman, Jordan (CNN) -- Several thousand protesters gathered in downtown Amman, Jordan, on Friday to demand political change. The demonstration comes less than a day after the King Abdullah II dissolved the country's parliament and called for early elections close to the new year. The peaceful rally called for constitutional reforms, with protesters complaining that the king has too much power. They demanded that representatives be able to run for election in a democratic system rather than be under his control. "Whoever (is) corrupted is the enemy of God," they chanted, waving Jordanian flags. Many people said the economy is Jordan is hurting, and too many people cannot afford the high cost of living and are being burdened by high inflation. Unemployment is too high, they said, and young people especially are without work. The complaints have been echoed for some time in Jordan and gained steam when the Arab Spring began to sweep North Africa and the Middle East in 2010 and 2011. Popular uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya have ousted longtime leaders from power. Abdullah has made some changes over the past year, but he hasn't done enough, protesters said. In nearly two years, Abdullah has fired four prime ministers. In February 2011, shortly before Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak stepped down following weeks of intense protest, Abdullah dismissed his government. The king ordered "genuine political reform," the country's royal court reported. The king then promised that the government would "take practical steps, quick and concrete, to launch a process of genuine political reform" and "comprehensive development," according to a letter from the king. New prime ministers were appointed in October 2011 and May 2012. On Thursday, government spokesman Samih al-Maitah framed the king's latest decision to dissolve parliament as part of his promised reforms. "This was not a surprise decision," al-Maitah said, adding that to ensure fairness, an independent commission will oversee upcoming parliamentary elections. Protesters chanted Friday, "We came to call for reforms and an amendment to the constitution so the people can see the light!" The Muslim Brotherhood organized the protest. The religious and political group -- which was started in 1928 and counts Egypt's new president, Mohamed Morsy, as a member -- believes Islam is not simply a religion but a way of life. It advocates a move away from secularism and a return to the rules of the Quran as a basis for healthy families, communities and states. CNN's Sara Sidner contributed to this report.