Jordan’s King Abdullah on Sunday dissolved parliament in a royal decree to pave the way for the formation of a new government, appointing Hani Mulqi as prime minister to oversee elections

Jordan’s King Abdullah on Sunday dissolved parliament in a royal decree to pave the way for the formation of a new government, appointing Hani Mulqi as prime minister to oversee elections before the end of the year.

The monarch accepted the resignation of premier Abdullah Ensour before appointing an interim head of government to oversee the election.

Parliament had ended its four-year term and the election should be held within four months under the constitution.

The decision came after Jordan's parliament passed several amendments last month, giving King Abdullah more powers.

The changes give the king the right to make key appointments without any nomination process by the government or signatures from the Council of Ministers.

Critics say the move is a rollback of gains made during Arab Spring in 2011, when Abdullah promised reforms that would eventually limit his powers.