Jordan's King Abdullah II dissolved the lower house of parliament and called for early elections on Monday. The king said that parliament would be abolished as of Tuesday. He did not specify a date for elections.

While the official announcement carried on state media did not give a reason, the legislature has been widely criticized by those who say it has failed to pass tax reforms and other laws considered crucial to Jordan's economic and political progress.

Some lawmakers accused the government of ousting the legislature so it can pass emergency bills in parliament's absence, including an electoral law that they say is aimed at undercutting the influence of the opposition, according to the Associated Press.