Amman, May 19 (Petra) — Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of
the Independent Election Commission (IEC), Mousa Maaytah, affirmed on
Tuesday that Jordan’s political modernization project commenced under
the direct guidance of His Majesty King Abdullah II, with the core
objective of consolidating pluralism and developing public life.

Speaking at the “Your Vote Matters” competition organized by the IEC
in partnership with the “Ana Usharek” (I Participate) program at the
University of Petra Maaytah stated that the contest serves as a vital
awareness initiative under the commission’s umbrella. He noted that
the project forms part of established efforts to cultivate a
generation of Jordanian youth who view active participation in public
affairs not as a luxury but as a civic duty.

The event was attended by the President of the University of Petra,
Rami Abdel-Rahim, alongside several faculty members.

According to an official IEC statement, Maaytah highlighted that the
primary tool for such public engagement is the vote, describing it as
an “enlightened, responsible, and impactful voice.” He emphasized
that universities are not merely lecture halls but crucial spaces
where the features of active citizenship are forged alongside
professional skills.

For his part, the Dean of the Faculty of Mass Communication at the
University of Petra, Ali Alnejadat, praised the IEC’s ongoing efforts
to foster a culture of political participation, entrench democratic
values, and empower Jordanian youth to express their ideas and
opinions consciously and responsibly.

Alnejadat added that the competition stands as an advanced, civilized
model of partnership between national institutions and Jordanian
universities, carrying awareness and media messages that help build a
generation capable of effectively utilizing digital media and modern
communication tools.

The event featured an introductory presentation on the competition
delivered by the Partnership Project Director, Aws Qutaishat,
alongside presentations from various participating universities.

The “Your Vote Matters” competition is an extracurricular, national
media initiative targeting students enrolled in journalism and media
departments across Jordanian universities. The program aims to bridge
the gap between academic knowledge and digital professionalism,
enhance the role of youth in democratic participation and active
citizenship, and transform media students into influential digital
content creators capable of serving their communities and promoting
engagement in public and democratic life.

//Petra// AF