Jordan: a country where over 13% of the population live below the poverty line[1] and gas price increases recently sparked mass protests[2] across the Kingdom. The financial crisis has hit deep into the pockets of the ordinary Jordanian but not so for the politicians running the country, apparently.With elections looming, candidates have been out in force, setting up their palace-like tents and serving lavish platters of food to anyone prepared to vote for them. No need for austerity measures for these tribal heads[3] as their “families” of 800 or more pull in the favors to provide the waiting staff and catering needed to win an election.

Touring the Jordanian campaign trail of tents, it soon becomes apparent that victory is certainly sweet, as the politicians serve up traditional Arabic desserts to testify to their saccharine sacrifice. What price victory, as these MP hopefuls are willing to admit that no cost is too lavish to secure the Kingdom vote.But despite their best efforts, candidates still cannot escape the law of the land, which takes a dim view on buying off voters. So while the arrests, corruption and mutterings of police conspiracy continue, we spent the day eating kanafeh[4] with the Kingdom’s best and brightest.

What do you think about the candidates' spending habits? Is it all part of the fun or part of the problem? Share your thoughts with us below.

Despite ordinary Jordanian digging deep for the basic necessities, the country's politicians are still going strong with palace-like tents and thousands of plates of mansaf on offer for anyone who will vote for them.