Candidates for the 2016 parliamentary elections faced a Jordanian public that was largely skeptical and to a certain extent apathetic as they started campaigning. Polls reveal the previous members of parliament, elected in 2013, were not effective in representing the views of citizens. However, a new election law, with a candidate list system, is meant to improve and diversify representation in parliament but Jordanians are keen to see if political parties and civil society organizations are encouraged to play a larger role in the upcoming elections on September 20, 2016 and beyond. If they are not encouraged by their communities to do so, the risk will be greater that Jordanians will still base their vote on individuals running rather than on policies that are presented by national lists and parties.