Amman , Jordan ( CNN ) -- Opposition groups in Jordan are upset with King Abdullah II 's choice for a new prime minister , saying the decision should have been made in a different way . Jameel Abu Baker , spokesman for the Muslim Brotherhood , said the appointment of Marouf Al Bakhit was a surprise . `` The change we demanded should have been done through the formation of a national unity government headed by an agreed-upon personality , and then holding early elections , and setting a new law for democratic elections , '' he said . In appointing Al Bakhit on Tuesday , Abdullah instructed the new government to take `` practical , swift and tangible steps to launch a real political reform process . '' He said a new election law would be the `` main pillar of political development . '' Opposition parties -- especially the Islamic Action Front -- are demanding that parliament , not the king , choose the government . But it has always been the prerogative of Jordan 's king to dismiss and appoint governments . Baker said Al Bakhit 's previous term as prime minister had seen election fraud , and the Muslim Brotherhood had not been allowed to take part in political life . Zaki Bani Ershaid , an influential figure in the Islamic movement in Jordan , said Al Bakhit was `` not a man of reforms , and so he should stop all plans to form the new government . '' Another opposition figure , Saeed Thiab of the Union party , said experience with Al Bakhit was not positive , but the party would wait to see what reforms were proposed . Street protests across Jordan in recent weeks have focused on demands for a more open political process , as well as economic grievances . Fuel and food prices in Jordan have risen sharply in recent months , reflecting higher world prices for wheat and oil . The protests have stopped short of criticizing the king -- but are widely thought to have influenced the timing of Tuesday 's announcement . King Abdullah acknowledged the reform process `` has suffered from many shortcomings '' and young Jordanians were frustrated by lack of opportunity . Further protests are expected Friday . CNN 's Caroline Faraj contributed to this report .
King Abdullah II named Marouf Al Bakhit to be Jordan 's prime minister Tuesday . The decision should have been made in a different way , opposition groups say . Muslim Brotherhood spokesman : Unity government should have been formed first . Al Bakhit 's previous term as PM had seen election fraud , spokesman says .