Jordan’s PM wins close wote of confidence for his government from parliament on eve of another opposition demo

Jordan's Prime Minister Maaruf Bakhit won a close vote of confidence for his government from parliament on Thursday, on the eve of another opposition demonstration to demand general reforms.
  
After a two-day debate on his policies, the vote was 63-47, with seven abstentions and two MPs absent from the 120-seat lower house of parliament elected on November 9.
  
Bakhit, who has promised "true and gradual" reforms, told MPs before the vote that a constitutional monarchy would unbalance Jordan's political system. "However, the government understands calls for constitutional amendments," he said without elaborating.
  
The powerful Islamic Action Front (IAF) has been calling for a constitutional monarchy and a reformed electoral law, leading to a parliamentary government and elected prime minister.
  
Last month, King Abdullah II sacked the government of Samir Rifai and named Bakhit to head a government charged with introducing general reforms to face popular discontent and protests inspired by the revolts in Tunisia and Egypt.