Amman, May 10 (Petra) The Cabinet on Sunday approved the justifications for the draft Local Administration Law of 2026 and referred it to the Legislation and Opinion Bureau to complete the legal procedures for its issuance.

Chaired by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, the Cabinet said the draft law aligns with the outcomes of the political, economic and public sector modernisation agendas, as well as directives from Abdullah II to reform the local administration framework.

The government said the draft was developed following extensive consultations with lawmakers and relevant stakeholders and aims to strengthen governance, accountability, decentralisation and community participation.

The proposed law seeks to expand the developmental and investment role of municipalities, clarify responsibilities between elected councils and executive bodies and improve service delivery through automation and digital transformation.

It maintains the direct election of municipal council presidents and members, increases women's representation to 30 per cent and enhances youth participation in governorate councils.

The draft law further promotes participatory budgeting, cooperation between municipalities and governorate councils and stronger oversight mechanisms to improve transparency and project implementation.

//Petra// AK

10/05/2026 20:16:12