Jordan’s king backs political reforms
King Abdullah has told Jordan’s government to pursue political “modernisation”, through proposed constitutional changes that leave significant powers in the country with the monarch.
Jordan is suffering an economic downturn and the authorities intensified tough measures against dissent this year. Last month, a royal committee appointed by the king developed political reform proposals.
The Hashemite Royal Court said King Abdullah met Prime Minister Bisher Al Khasawneh and members of the Cabinet on Wednesday and urged them to put into effect the recommendations of the Royal Committee to Modernise the Political System.
The recommendations include an election law that would allow some candidates to run for Parliament across districts, if they belong to a political party.
The 130-member legislature’s powers are mostly ceremonial. It is dominated by tribes that benefit from the current electoral system.
King Abdullah, who has reigned since 1999, appoints and dismisses governments, commands the military and controls foreign policy.
Government spokesman Faisal Al Shboul told state television on Wednesday that the Cabinet had submitted a draft election law to Parliament, in line with the committee’s recommendations.
The law, he said, would bring Jordan into “a new legislative and executive era”.
Following other recommendations by the committee, a draft of proposed constitutional changes expected to be submitted to Parliament commits the state to protect women “from all forms of violence and discrimination”.
The draft was published on Wednesday by Ammon News.
The changes would also prevent parliamentarians from holding ministerial positions or having contracts with the state, and lower the minimum age to run for Parliament to 25 from 30.
But the proposed amendments make it harder for Parliament to convene a vote of confidence in the government, requiring a motion for a vote to be approved by 25 per cent of members, instead of the current 7 per cent.
A National Security Council, which would be led by the king, is planned under the proposals.