AMMAN: Jordan’s electoral authority yesterday set Jan. 23 as the date for a general election, state media said, after King Abdallah II dissolved Parliament in a bid to pave the way for sweeping reforms.

In line with a royal decree to hold the upcoming Parliamentary elections, the Independent Election Commission decided today to set the vote for Wednesday, Jan. 23,” the commission said in a statement carried by Petra news agency.

“Applications to run for Parliament will start on Dec. 22 and last for three days. Government employees who wish to run for Parliament must resign before Oct. 22.”

More than two million voters have registered for Parliamentary elections, the commission said on Monday.

Jordan has a population of 6.7 million, of whom 3.1 million are entitled to vote, according to the commission.