ABSTRACT
This chapter is concerned with the 1967 election, a list of the district's members since the institution of direct elections in 1947 will help to establish a broader view and a time perspective. Some were active in the revolutionary political parties in the 1950s, but dropped their youthful idealism for the potentials of authoritative roles in society. With only occasional breaks, the membership of the municipal council continues to be dominated by the traditional political forces of Al-Karak. The predominance of traditional methods and criteria for choosing municipal council members in the contemporary period has caused distinct difficulties in meeting the changing demands of the town's rapidly growing population. The opportunities for advancement to the higher levels of leadership continue in the contemporary period to be limited to members of the established Karaki tribes, but men of 'foreign' origins may gain substantial, though restricted power.
