Ammon News -

Jordanians were heading to polling stations across the Kingdom on Tuesday to elect a new parliament amid strict health measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

A total of 1,693 candidates are vying for seats in the 130-strong lower chamber of parliament which includes a 15-seat women quota. The Independent Election Commission (IEC) said in a statement that the number of registered voters stood at 4,647,835, including 577,000 voting for the first time.

Polling and counting stations are run by 52,000 people, including 18,000 volunteers. About 53,000 police officers are providing security and protection to 1,824 polling centers in 23 constituents across the country.

In order to ensure public health safety, voters will be required to maintain a two-meter distance from each other and will have to use face masks and gloves, while voter credentials will be verified electronically without the need for physical contact with election officials, the IEC said.

According to the commission, the vote is monitored by 9,667 local observers and 108 foreign observers.