(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Thousands of Jordanian people staged rallies in Amman on Friday to demonstrate against the recent hikes in commodity prices, demanding sweeping political changes and constitutional reforms as well as election of a new popular government and a powerful parliament.

They also expressed the hope that the election law would be approved in Jordan in a bid to provide a partial response to the nation's demand for reforms.

The protestors chanted slogans against Tarawneh, and carried placards reading "The countdown began and people's will gained triumph" and "You, corrupt government, go! go!".

"Instead of raising prices, hold the corrupt accountable. Reform the constitution and let the people see the light," read another banner carried by protesters, including Islamists, leftists and youths, who braved the blistering temperature and marched in central Amman.

"We want to reform the regime. We do not want empty promises," they chanted as they marched in scorching 42 degree Celsius (108 Fahrenheit) heat.

A few weeks after its formation in May, the government increased the prices of fuel, electricity and other commodities to offset a $3 billion (2.4 billion euro) deficit in this year's $9.6 billion budget.

"We are not asking for the impossible. We have the right to see reforms and we will not stop our protests until we achieve our goals," former Islamist MP Jaafar Hurnai told the demonstration.

Other activists held a sit-in outside parliament building, demanding "bread, freedom and social justice."

At least 1,000 held similar demonstrations in the Southern cities of Irbid as well as Karak and Tafeilh in the North.

Jordan has witnessed regular street protests since January last year demanding sweeping reforms and tough action against corruption.

/SMH