By Laith Joneidi and Ayse Sumeyra Aydogdu

AMMAN

Jordanian King Abdullah II on Wednesday approved the appointment of Hani al-Mulki as prime minister, Jordan’s official Petra News Agency reported.

Al-Mulki has been tasked with overseeing fresh parliamentary polls, which are expected to be held within the next four months in line with the country’s constitution.

After having been tasked by the king to form a new government, al-Mulki -- along with his 28-minister cabinet -- was formally sworn in Wednesday.

The new cabinet includes 12 ministers from the former government of outgoing Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour.

King Abdullah accepted Ensour’s resignation earlier this week before dissolving parliament.