Participation of parties in the Jordanian parliamentary elections

The participation of parties in the Jordanian parliamentary elections constitutes an essential pillar in strengthening the democratic process and activating the role of political institutions in the country. Over the years, Jordan has witnessed a remarkable development in the participation of political parties in the parliamentary elections, which reflects the political diversity and intellectual pluralism enjoyed by Jordanian society.

Political parties in Jordan play a vital role in activating political life by presenting various electoral programmes that reflect different visions for resolving national issues. Elections also provide the opportunity for parties to present their candidates and compete for parliamentary seats, which enhances popular representation and allows citizens to choose their representatives based on specific programs and goals. This diversity of political proposals enriches public debate and contributes to finding innovative and comprehensive solutions to the challenges facing the country.

In addition, the participation of parties contributes to strengthening the principle of transparency and accountability, as parties monitor each other’s performance and work to hold the government accountable through their representatives in Parliament. This oversight role enhances the government’s performance and forces it to commit to implementing its electoral promises, which benefits citizens and enhances Trust in the political system.

Political parties in Jordan also face several challenges, including electoral laws that may not be appropriate enough for fair representation of all parties, as well as financial and organisational challenges faced by some small parties. However, there are ongoing efforts by the state and civil society to develop the political environment. Encouraging greater party participation in elections

These efforts come within a broader context of political reforms aimed at strengthening democracy and achieving sustainable development. Parliamentary elections with the participation of parties also reflect Jordan’s commitment to strengthening democracy and respecting political pluralism.

In this context, the Independent Election Commission plays a pivotal role in organising the elections and ensuring their integrity and transparency, in cooperation with local and international civil society organisations that monitor the electoral process and make recommendations to improve it.

It is worth noting that women’s participation in political parties and parliamentary elections has witnessed a remarkable development, which reflects Jordan’s interest in empowering women and youth and enhancing their role in political life. This development enhances the comprehensiveness of the democratic process and ensures broader representation of various segments of society.

Finally, the participation of parties in the Jordanian parliamentary elections represents an essential element in strengthening constitutional institutionalism and consolidating democracy. It reflects the maturity of political life in Jordan and confirms the commitment of the leadership and people to developing the political system and activating the citizen’s role in decision making. With the continuation of these efforts, Jordan is moving towards a more stable and democratic future.

The writer is professor of strategic studies — Al-Hussein Bin Talal University