Mr Dahabi's brother is head of the general intelligence department

Nader al-Dahabi, a Western-educated former transport minister and air force commander, has reportedly been given the task of boosting the economy.

Mr Dahabi succeeds Maaruf al-Bakhit, who had been prime minister since 2005.

The elections on Tuesday strengthened the position of tribal leaders and other pro-government candidates.

The opposition Islamic Action Front won only six seats compared with the 17 it gained in the 2003 election, prompting its leaders to accuse the Jordanian authorities of widespread fraud.

The interior minister has denied any wrongdoing, saying the government had conducted "impartial and fair" elections.

Economic focus

King Abdullah officially designated Mr Dahabi to form a new cabinet on Thursday afternoon shortly after Mr Bakhit submitted his government's resignation, senior officials said.

"The new government will be announced Sunday and its members will be sworn in before the king," one official told the AFP news agency.

NADER AL-DAHABI 1946: Born in Amman 1964: Joins Jordanian air force 1982: Gains MSc in Aeronautical Engineering in UK 1991: Assistant Commander, Jordanian air force 1994: Chief Executive Officer of Royal Jordanian Airlines 2001: Minister of Transport 2004: Head of Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority 2007: Jordanian prime minister

Mr Dahabi's appointment came after the king returned from a trilateral summit with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and the Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas, at the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.

"His mandate after parliamentary elections is to focus on the economy, improving living standards and generating investments, and a better overall management the government," another official told the Reuters news agency.

Mr Dahabi, whose brother Mohammed is director of Jordan's general intelligence department, is currently the head of the Special Economic Zone Authority in the Red Sea port of Aqaba.

After a 30-year career in the Jordanian air force, during which time became assistant commander, Mr Dahabi was named chief executive of Royal Jordanian Airlines in 1994.