The Jordanian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood confirmed on Thursday it would boycott early elections expected before the end of the year because of a “lack of reform”

The Jordanian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood confirmed on Thursday it would boycott early elections expected before the end of the year because of a “lack of reform.”

The group said the elections would be a "burden" to the country, adding that without reform the elections were irrelevant.

"The Muslim Brotherhood's shura (advisory) council voted today to boycott parliamentary elections this year," deputy leader Zaki Bani Rsheid told AFP.

"Forty-nine out of 52 members of the council voted on the decision, which comes as a result of a lack of political reform in the country." Bani Rsheid said "the regime has failed to meet reform demands by Jordanians, including the Islamist movement."

The Islamists and other opposition parties have said they were considering a boycott of the polls over a new electoral law, under which voters cast two ballots: one for individual candidates in their governorates and one for parties or coalitions nationwide.

A boycott would be a blow to King Abdullah, who has made reforms the centerpiece of his campaign to stave off uprisings in the country.

Jordan has seen persistent demonstrations almost every week since January 2011, demanding sweeping reforms and tougher action on corruption.