Jordanian Women Participation in the Parliamentary Elections of 2016: Field Study in Albalqa Governorate
Dr. Fatima Atiyat

Abstract
According to the constitution and election laws Jordanian women enjoy equal rights with men regarding voting and running for parliamentary elections. However, despite the fact that half the voters in all previous parliamentary elections that took place in the country since 1989 elections' records show that women dad failed to won a seat before 2003 election. Therefore, the government in 2003 introduced a six guaranteed seats quota for women and increased the number seats to 15 in 2013 election and 2016. However, despite all reform measures only one woman had won a seat in the elections of 2007 and 2010; three in 2013 and five in the 2016 election out of 130 seats. Results show that women's election behavior and voting priorities are influenced by males, families' relationships and religious beliefs; that their voting behavior is influenced by age, level of education and place of residence. Results also show that the working and more educated women are more willing to vote, to run for parliament, participates in elections' campaign than younger women.

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