Jordan's king appoints new PM ahead of elections

[October 10, 2012]  AMMAN, Jordan (AP) -- Jordan's King Abdullah II has appointed an ex-lawmaker to form a new Cabinet ahead of parliamentary elections -- the last time the monarch is naming a premier in this country.

After the elections, which are expected at the end of this year or in early 2013, Jordanians will vote for lawmakers who will pick a candidate for the post of prime minister.

The change is mandated under a revision of the constitution that took place last year as part of Abdullah's push to introduce reforms.

The royal palace says the king appointed Abdullah Ensour, former deputy prime minister, to replace Fayez Tarawneh, who resigned earlier on Wednesday.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.