King calls for updating elections, parties laws to facilitate reform

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday called for updating both the elections and political parties laws to achieve the endgame in the reform process.

During a meeting with the president and council members of the Jordan Press Association (JPA), His Majesty also urged more efforts to empower youth to play a larger role in development. His Majesty also highlighted the importance of the professional media in dealing with national issues and engaging in related debates, according to a Royal Court statement.

He said that as the Kingdom is struggling with economic challenges, “which it is able to overcome”, there is a need for media outlets that highlight achievements while exercising their oversight role.

The King urged media outlets to present citizens with facts, especially in light of the spread of rumours, calling on state institutions to provide information to journalists so as to protect the public from misleading news. 

In this regard, His Majesty expressed his appreciation for the association’s role in developing the media profession and its practitioners.

He also highlighted the important role of the media in confronting terrorism and warning the youth against the dark ideologies that contradict the teachings of Islam.

The discussions also covered His Majesty’s participation in the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly, with King Abdullah noting that he is scheduled to meet several heads of state and delegates over matters of interest to Jordan, the Palestinian issue and means to support the UN Relief and Work Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). 

Later in the day, the King, accompanied by Her Majesty Queen Rania, flew to New York, where he will head the Jordanian delegation participating in the highest-profile global meeting. 

He is also scheduled to deliver a speech before the assembly, the Royal Court said.

HRH Prince Feisal was sworn in as Regent.  

For his part, JPA President Rakan Saaideh highlighted during the meeting with the King the importance of securing a smooth flow of communication between state institutions and journalists to ensure the delivery of accurate information.

Saaideh also called for empowering media outlets and developing journalists’ skills to utilise social media platforms, so as to be more instrumental in the fight against rumours and groundless reports.

Meanwhile, JPA members spoke about several issues related to the media, including the need to facilitate access to information and empower media professionals to combat fabricated news and keep pace with advancements in the media sector.