Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - Hisham Awartani - In their first statements to the press since announcing their candidacy to run in the upcoming parliamentary elections, Islamists candidates Dr. Aref Abu Eid and Dr. Sameer Dababseh revealed their reasons for deciding to run in the elections in clear violation of the boycott decision sternly endorsed by the Islamist movement in Jordan, represented by the Muslim Brotherhood and the Islamic Action Front (IAF).

Dababseh, who is running in Al-Balqaa governorate, told 'Ammon News' that the Islamist movement's boycott decision is "unrealistic and was not carefully considered," but was rather endorsed in extraordinary circumstances when the Islamist movement was going through the well-known predicament of choosing a secretary general for IAF.

On his part, Abu Eid said that participation in the elections - and not boycott - is the 'default', reiterating his colleague's statements that the movement was undergoing a critical phase, and that the internal structure of the group was not prepared to issue a decision to participate in the elections.

Abu Eid, who is also running in Al-Balqaa, however stressed that "the interest of Jordan is above all considerations."

Dababseh noted that leaders within the Islamist movement tried to dissuade him from running, but he is holding firm to his decision, adding that he anticipates the movement's reaction by expelling him, and although he does not wish for matters to reach that level, he is insisting on carrying through with his decision.

Abu Eid told 'Ammon News' that he recognizes the difficulty of taking such a decision that is bound to have implications. "I am aware that it may hurt my reputation and image in the Muslim World. I am a university professor for over 30 years, and authored many books that are being taught in universities. Yet I am convinced of my decision to participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections," he said.

"It is wrong for the Islamist movement to stay in the shade.. despite the fact that they may have their justifications for the boycott," Abu Eid added.

Abu Eid added that his decision to run, along with a number of others, is in the best interest of the Islamist movement and the country. "The boycott should not be complete boycott, we must have at least a voice in the parliament, it is unrealistic for Islamists to void themselves of the process."

"They could have been present in the parliament and work to change the electoral law from within," he added.

The Islamist movement in Jordan, represented by the Muslim Brotherhood and the Islamic Action Front both voted overwhelmingly to boycott the elections, citing shortcomings of the amended electoral law in facilitating transparency of the electoral process, especially after the blatantly rigged elections of 2007.

By Banan Malkawi from Ammon Arabic