Amman, Jan. 22 (Petra) – Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs, Abdul Monem Odat, emphasized that the modernization journey across its political, economic, and administrative dimensions, as championed by His Majesty King Abdullah, has fortified Jordan and solidified its strengths, enabling the country to advance, address external challenges, and safeguard its supreme interests and regional and international roles.
During a dialogue organized by the Amman Group for Future Dialogues on Tuesday evening, Odat highlighted the mutual loyalty and concord between the Hashemite leadership and the Jordanian people, which has protected the nation since independence. He noted that this unique bond is often misunderstood by those who perceive a divide between official and popular stances, particularly concerning Jordan’s unwavering commitment to just Arab causes, foremost among them the Palestinian cause and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.
In the session moderated by Bilal Hassan Al-Tal, President of the Amman Group for Future Dialogues, Odat discussed Jordan’s modernization trajectory since His Majesty assumed his constitutional powers. He cited the constitutional amendments of 2011 as a foundation for reforms that redefined the relationship between the three branches of government and led to the establishment of the Independent Election Commission and the Constitutional Court. These reforms culminated in the recent election laws and the transparent parliamentary elections, which saw parties secure 41 seats a figure set to increase in phases as part of fostering parliamentary majorities capable of forming or participating significantly in governments.
Odat noted that the updated political framework, including the Election and Parties Laws and their associated regulations, has created an enabling environment for party work, removing obstacles and enhancing citizens’ political engagement, especially among youth and women. This, he said, strengthens active citizenship and broadens the base of popular participation in decision-making processes.
Describing the recent elections as a landmark in Jordan’s political history, Odat underscored the importance of building on them to enhance the democratic journey, fulfilling the aspirations of Jordanians.
A comprehensive discussion followed between the minister and members of the Amman Group for Future Dialogues, including national and academic figures, who commended the state’s efforts to deepen political participation and mobilize national energies. They affirmed that societal dialogues are an effective means to enhance trust between the state and citizens.
Participants expressed their support for the political modernization process and stressed the importance of continuing societal dialogue to assess progress, particularly through engagement with civil society institutions, led by political parties.
//Petra// AF
22/01/2025 23:07:57
