A Jordanian Election Actually Worth Watching

Jordanian elections rarely herald change. This is by design: The small, constitutional monarchy prides itself on remaining placid even as its neighbors are consumed by apocalyptic instability. Although a forum for limited debate, parliament is more often simply a rubber stamp for King Abdullah II and his appointees. The Lower House in particular usually signs off on the monarchy's policies without dissent. But Lower House elections Sept. 20 will be held under a new voting system that signals a shift.

Since 1993 elections, Jordanians have gone to the polls under a "one person, one vote" system, which favored conservative, tribal interests and establishment parties. The new "bloc voting" method for choosing lawmakers is in essence a return to the system used in 1989 elections, when Islamist parties won a majority. While bloc voting will not bring systemic change to Jordan, it will provide a window into the nation's mounting demographic challenges, in particular its minority and refugee populations. The new system has also brought Islamist parties back to the table. After their 2010 and 2013 boycotts, these parties have decided to register candidates. Jordan hopes that the reform will enhance its legitimacy and curb political unrest, even if it risks lending more power to Islamist forces.