Amman, March 24 (Petra) -- The Jordan Policy Forum convened on Sunday to discuss the country's ongoing political modernization efforts, bringing together political and parliamentary figures.

Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs Abdul-Munim Al-Oudat stated that Jordan’s modernization process has been guided by the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II. He emphasized that as the country enters its second centennial, it is pursuing a long-term reform vision spanning more than 25 years.

Al-Oudat highlighted key constitutional amendments since 2010, including the establishment of the Constitutional Court and the Independent Election Commission. These measures, he said, 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.

Chairman of the Independent Election Commission Musa Maaytah clarified that the commission’s mandate is strictly 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. He 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 modernization. She announced that an updated National Social Protection Strategy will 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. She also underscored the importance of youth participation in political parties and emphasized 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. He also pointed to His Majesty’s discussion papers as a guiding framework for ongoing political, economic, administrative, and social reforms.

Badran emphasized that sustainable economic and administrative reforms cannot be achieved without genuine political modernization that ensures broad and active public participation in governance and decision-making.

President of the Jordan Policy Forum Hamid Al-Bataineh stated 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 Jordan’s unifying national values, noting that the forum coincided with both Ramadan and the Christian fasting season, symbolizing the country’s social cohesion. He reaffirmed that Jordan remains a Kingdom committed to unity, inclusion, and shared national identity.

//Petra// RZ

24/03/2025 09:52:00