Jordanian election candidates arrested on corruption charges

Jordanian election candidates have been heavily scrutinised ahead of polling day Jordanian security officials have arrested a number candidates ahead of Wednesday's parliamentary elections, charging them with buying votes. Amman's general prosecutor Judge Saleh Qallab ordered the detention of candidate Ahmed Safadi for 15 days, at the centre of reform and rehabilitation in Juwaidah, pending an investigation into the charges. Safadi is being accused of influencing voters, in breach of Article 63 of the election law. The penalty for such an offence is up to 7 years in prison. Safadi handed himself in to authorities on Sunday evening.
National Union Party leader Mohammad Khashman is also being held at Jordan's Juwaidah prison. He is accused of promising to make a donation to Ahmed Safadi's electoral campaign.
Former MP and current electoral candidate Ghazi Alian was also arrested last Friday, on charges of vote-buying, in violation of Article 63A of the election law.
In Madaba (40 kilometres south of the capital), Judge Mohammed Hijazi issued an arrest warrant for candidate Adnan Abu Rekiah, on similar charges of vote-buying and influencing voters.
On Sunday, the civil group responsible for monitoring parliamentary elections, Monitor, said that taking action against those trying to undermine the democratic process will enhance voter confidence in the electoral system.
Monitor emphasised upon the key role it plays in monitoring governorates of the Kingdom. It called on official agencies to deal with violations and abuses related to using corrupt money in elections, confirming that it will intensify its efforts before polling day to monitor various electoral crimes.