Political activists, statesmen call for active partnership between state, public

AMMAN — Strengthening Jordan’s internal front through rule of law and equality among citizens is the main pillar for achieving the desired reforms and restoring citizens’ confidence in the state,  lawmakers, politicians and professional association officials said Monday.

At a panel discussion on His Majesty King Abdullah’s fifth discussion paper, which is part of a series the King launched in December 2012 as a contribution to the national debate on reforms in the Kingdom, participants said all stakeholders should place national interest above personal interests and engage in genuine partnerships to achieve the desired reforms.

They called for the immediate implementation of the Monarch’s vision in the discussion papers, meant to address all challenges and the required steps towards reform, warning that any procrastination will hamper the country’s progress.

“Jordan is in the middle of very serious regional conditions and to maintain the country’s stability we need to take steps to strengthen the internal front,” Senator Hashem Abu Hassan said at the discussion, held at Al Rai Centre for Studies.

“We don’t need only words. We want deeds. The implementation of the King’s vision for reforms highlighted in the fifth discussion paper will help restore confidence between citizens and the state, which is necessary for reforms to happen and have an impact,” Abu Hassan added.

Mohammad Wahsh, a former minister and senator, had similar views.

“A strong, solid internal front is achieved through social justice and equal opportunities for all Jordanians. This is the weapon to deter all threats and the key to achieve reforms,” Wahsh said.

In the fifth discussion paper titled “Goals, Achievements and Conventions: Pillars for Deepening Our Democratic Transition”, King Abdullah said the Monarchy should provide unifying leadership for all Jordanians and remain forward looking to ensure prosperity, not just for the current generation, but for future generations as well. 

In the paper, the King said the “Jordanian Spring” must also continue to adopt essential democratic practices, including respect for and embracing dialogue, accepting the reciprocity of rights and responsibilities as citizens, accepting that shared sacrifices lead to shared gains, turning disagreement into finding compromise, while maintaining constant dialogue, and active and constructive participation by all citizens. 

The panellists called for effective partnerships between the state and all stakeholders, warning that ignoring stakeholders’ opinions on all issues of concern to the country will hamper reform.

“There have been several debates on national priorities and key issues including the Elections Law and many other laws, but unfortunately none of the recommendations or the studies contributed by stakeholders were taken into account when drafting laws or implementing strategies,” Wahsh said.

Jordan Bar Association President Samir Khirfan agreed, warning that there will be no reforms if public trust in the state is not restored.

“If we don’t have complete confidence, citizens will not be willing to accept laws or policies that seek to enhance reform,” he said.

“Sadly, authorities invite stakeholders for meetings to get their feedback when they plan to draft a law or implement a certain policy, but they don’t take into consideration any of the feedback or recommendations. So this is not partnership and not engagement in the decision-making process,” Khirfan noted.