Jordan Forum for Policy Dialogue reviews political modernisation process in Kingdom

Jordan Times

24-03-2025

The Jordan Forum for Policy Dialogue convenes on Sunday to discuss the Kingdom's ongoing political modernisation efforts, bringing together political and parliamentary figures (Petra photo)
AMMAN — The Jordan Forum for Policy Dialogue convened on Sunday to discuss the Kingdom's ongoing political modernisation efforts, bringing together political and parliamentary figures.
Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs Abdul Monem Odat said that Jordan's modernisation process has been guided by the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah, stressing that as the country enters its second centennial, it is pursuing a long-term reform vision spanning more than 25 years, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported on Monday.
Odat highlighted key constitutional amendments since 2010, including the establishment of the Constitutional Court and the Independent Election Commission (IEC).
He said that these measures were foundational steps in Jordan's broader reform agenda, culminating in the major reform initiative launched in 2021.
The initiative introduced constitutional amendments and new election and political party laws aimed at enhancing political participation and strengthening party engagement, he added.
IEC Chairman Musa Maaytah noted that the commission's mandate is limited to implementing laws, with legislative development occurring within constitutional frameworks.
He noted that Jordan has moved beyond the experimental phase of democratic reform, pointing to increased competition among political parties as a sign of progress.
Maaytah reaffirmed the commission's commitment to upholding electoral integrity and fostering broader political engagement.
Minister of Social Development and Chair of the Ministerial Committee for Women's Empowerment Wafa Bani Mustafa stressed that Jordan's reform process has been comprehensive, integrating political, economic, and administrative modernisation.
She announced that an updated National Social Protection Strategy is scheduled to be launched in the coming period.
Bani Mustafa noted that past reforms were often fragmented, whereas the current approach ensures a cohesive and multidimensional framework.
The minister also underscored the importance of youth participation in political parties, stressing that efforts to empower women and youth should be viewed as integral to the broader political landscape.
Former prime minister Adnan Badran acknowledged the progress Jordan has made despite regional challenges, attributing this to the country's stability.
He highlighted the role of recent constitutional amendments in reinforcing the separation of powers and fostering greater political balance.
President of the Jordan Forum for Policy Dialogue Hamid Bataineh said that Jordan remains committed to the reform agenda initiated in 2021, which has provided momentum for political engagement alongside economic and administrative modernization.
He noted that these reforms were introduced "proactively" during a period of stability rather than in response to external or internal pressures, reflecting a forward-looking national strategy.
Father Nabil Haddad highlighted the Kingdom's unifying national values, noting that the forum coincided with both Ramadan and the Christian fasting season, symbolising the country's social cohesion.
He reiterated that Jordan remains a Kingdom committed to unity, inclusion, and shared national identity.
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