Ajloun, Aug 20 (Petra) – Former Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour said on Wednesday that Jordan, despite the challenges surrounding it, is continuing on its path of development and reform thanks to its wise leadership and aware citizenry.
He was speaking at the launch of the “Jordan Dialogues for Developing the Local Administration System” program, held at the Ajloun Cultural Center and organized by the “Let’s Participate, Let’s Form Parties” initiative.
Ensour said decentralization was an initiative of His Majesty King Abdullah II and its implementation serves to strengthen citizen participation in decision-making, particularly at the local level. He noted that Article 111 of the Constitution stipulates that no tax can be imposed except by a law passed by the Parliament, which represents the people.
He added that the decentralization law had been amended so that governors now lead official institutions in their governorates and oversee their performance. He said the aim was to shed light on local governance and decentralization, while improving, developing, and retaining councils at a minimum level.
Former minister Atef Odeibat, speaking on youth empowerment within the local administration system, said young people are the hope for change. He added that the Royal Committee to Modernize the Political System marked a turning point in Jordan’s political life, with its recommendations translated into constitutional amendments and laws.
He noted that the candidacy age had been lowered to 25, and parties were required to include a certain percentage of founders, reforms that had received royal attention. He stressed the importance of activating the role of youth and women in political participation, saying Jordan has capable youth models that need support and encouragement.
Feryal Bani Salman, rapporteur of the Administrative Committee in the Lower House of Representatives, said the symposium’s focus on legislative reform reflects a vision led by His Majesty the King and HRH the Crown Prince in service of sustainable development. She said the need had arisen for an effective local system that devolves authority from the center to the governorates, adding that recent legislative amendments serve as a genuine lever to make governance more effective and turn laws into implementable projects.
Jihad Momani, a former senator and current member of the Board of Commissioners of the Independent Election Commission, said the commission is part of the dialogue but is an executive, not legislative, body that implements laws. He said no features of the law were available yet.
He added that the commission’s future vision is to automate procedures for candidates and deputies, making them easier through modern technology and artificial intelligence, while preserving integrity, impartiality, and transparency.
Sief Bani Mustafa, head of the initiative, said the program seeks to boost citizen participation in development-related decision-making, expand the powers of local administrations, and draft a local administration law through a comprehensive national dialogue bringing together stakeholders.
The symposium, moderated by academic Montaser Qudah, concluded with a discussion on the law, the outcomes of political modernization, and expanding the participation of youth and women in political life.
//Petra// AF
20/08/2025 22:55:17
