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AMMAN — The European Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Jordan released its final report on Tuesday regarding the 2024 parliamentary elections, offering 18 recommendations to advance Jordan’s electoral reforms and political modernisation efforts.

Chief Observer and Vice-President of the European Parliament Željana Zovko commended the Independent Election Commission (IEC) for its professional and efficient management of the elections. “The elections were conducted efficiently, with an inclusive and well-managed process for voter and candidate registration. Most candidates expressed confidence in the impartiality of the IEC. However, transparency could be further enhanced by granting candidates and list representatives access to the vote tabulation process,” she said.

She also emphasised significant legislative reforms, including lowering the minimum candidate age from 30 to 25, and praised the expanded gender quota as a positive step toward achieving greater representation.

The report also noted that women still face obstacles to political participation, including financial barriers such as registration fees and campaign expenses.

The report highlighted the active participation of diverse candidates and lists, with freedom of assembly largely upheld during the five-week campaign period. 

It also commended Jordan’s successful integration of new election technologies, which enabled swift result publication. 

The report also recommended clearer regulations regarding campaigning on election day, particularly on media and social media platforms.

To build on these achievements, the EU EOM presented 18 forward-looking recommendations, with seven key priorities aimed at further strengthening Jordan’s electoral processes. 

These include enhancing voter education through community engagement and the active involvement of District Election Committees, ensuring consistent enforcement of campaign regulations, and increasing transparency in campaign financing while bolstering IEC oversight. 

Zovko expressed optimism about Jordan’s ongoing progress, emphasising the importance of inclusivity, transparency, and freedom of expression in strengthening democratic processes. 

She also reiterated the European Union’s commitment to supporting stakeholders in implementing the recommendations.

The EU EOM mission, conducted at the invitation of the IEC, was carried out from July 28 to September 29, 2024. 

Over 120 observers from EU Member States, Canada, Norway, and Switzerland were deployed across Jordan, reflecting the EU’s dedication to fostering strong partnerships and supporting democratic development.

AMMAN — The Cabinet, during a session on Tuesday, decided to extend a previous decision granting a 75-per-cent exemption from fees on agricultural and horticultural goods prepared for export. 

The exemption requires payment of outstanding fees by December 31, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The decision, made during the session chaired by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, aims to support the sustainability of the agricultural sector, preserve jobs, and enhance agricultural exports, thereby increasing the sector's contribution to the national economy and growth rates in line with the Economic Modernisation Vision. 

The decision is based on the Wholesale Markets for Horticultural Products Regulation for the Greater Amman Municipality No. 169 of 2016.

The Council of Ministers also approved the adoption of the Green Government Procurement Policy Document.

The Cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding between the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority and the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones of Oman. 

The memorandum seeks to enhance the exchange of expertise on laws, regulations, and procedures related to the management, operation, and development of special economic zones, as well as sharing data and information on investment and trade exchange between the two countries.

The Council of Ministers also approved Jordan’s membership, represented by the National Cyber Security Centre, in the international common criteria arrangement. 

The membership aims to enhance Jordan’s credibility in cybersecurity, facilitate cooperation and mutual recognition in evaluating and certifying cybersecurity products, and ensure that IT products and security profiles are assessed according to high and consistent standards.

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdulla, the Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army, and Poland President Andrzej Duda on Tuesday attended a joint military exercise conducted by the Special Operations Forces and the Polish Special Forces.

His Majesty and the Polish president were briefed on the scenarios of the drill, which was held at the King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Centre and attended by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Yousef Huneiti, a Royal Court statement said. 

The drill, aimed at strengthening military cooperation between the two countries, included counterterrorism operations, storming inhabited areas, securing and evacuating hostages after conducting 3D scans, and monitoring hostile targets through ground surveillance, using advanced technology.

The exercise included the use of drones and aircraft to eliminate hostile targets in the area of operations, with the support of sniper teams and helicopters, the statement said. 

His Majesty and the Polish president commended the distinguished level and morale of the personnel who participated in the exercise,praising their commitment to keeping up with the latest advancements in military training and weaponry.

At the end of the exercise, President Duda presented the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland of the fourth class to Huneiti, in recognition of his contributions to strengthening military cooperation between Poland and Jordan.

- King says Parliament is the first step in the implementation of political modernisation project

- His Majesty urges lawmakers to establish work rules, parliamentary practices based on platforms, ideas

- King underlines the importance of implementing the Economic Modernisation Vision to

- King says just, honourable peace is the way to end the historical injustice Palestinians

- His Majesty says Jerusalem will remain a Hashemite, Jordanian priority

- King says Jordan is working tirelessly through Arab, international efforts to stop war on Gaza

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday inaugurated the first ordinary session of the 20th Parliament and delivered the Speech from the Throne.

Congratulating members of the House of Representatives on their election, the King expressed hope that the current Chamber will mark a new phase in the process of progress and modernisation.

"This Parliament is the first step in the implementation of the political modernisation project, on a track to bolster the role of platform-based parties and the participation of women and young people. This requires parliamentary performance, collective action, and close cooperation between the Government and Parliament, in accordance with the Constitution," the King said.

The King urged lawmakers to establish work rules and parliamentary practices, "where competition is based on platforms and ideas, is rooted in integrity, and clearly reflects the State’s interests and priorities." 

"Our aim is to provide a decent life and empower youths while equipping them for the jobs of the future."

His Majesty underlined the importance of implementing the Economic Modernisation Vision to "unleash the potential of the national economy and increase growth rates over the next decade."

 The King called for capitalising on Jordan's human competencies and international relations as catalysts for growth.

His Majesty noted that the Jordanian State has a "deep-rooted identity that does not risk its future, and preserves its Hashemite heritage and its Arab and humanitarian roots."

"Jordan's future will not be subject to policies that do not fulfil its interests or ones that contravene its principles."

On Palestine, the King underlined that "just and honourable peace" is the way to end the historical injustice brotherly Palestinian people, adding, " We will remain committed to it as an option that restores full rights to their owners and guarantees the security of all, despite the obstacles and the extremism of those who do not believe in peace."

"Jerusalem will remain a Hashemite, Jordanian priority, and we will continue to defend and safeguard its holy sites, under the Hashemite Custodianship, which we undertake with honour and integrity."

On the Israeli war on Gaza and violations in the occupied West Bank, His Majesty said that Jordan is working tirelessly through Arab and international efforts to stop this war.

"Jordan has exerted tremendous efforts, and Jordanians have valiantly been treating the wounded in the direst of circumstances. Jordanians were the first to deliver aid by air and land to people in Gaza, and we will remain by their side, now and in the future."

His Majesty concluded his speech by saying,"Jordan, this great nation, will remain a country blessed with its people and land, an honest Arab homeland, and a home to all that is good. Every day in Jordan’s journey marks the beginning of a future that we build with faith, determination, and perseverance."

Earlier, an official ceremony was held on the King’s arrival at Parliament, accompanied by HRH Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah.

 His Majesty was received by the heads of the three authorities and several senior officials and officers.

 Her Majesty Queen Rania, a number of Royal family members, senior officials and officers, as well as members of the Arab and foreign diplomatic corps in Jordan, attended the speech.

AMMAN — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Monday commended Senate President Faisal Fayez and Senate members for earning His Majesty King Abdullah’s trust, extending congratulations on the start of the Parliament’s first ordinary session.

Addressing the Senate following the Speech from the Throne, Hassan reiterated the government’s commitment to cooperating with the Upper Chamber in line with constitutional principles, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

He stressed the importance of implementing the directives outlined by His Majesty in the Speech from the Throne into action, particularly at this pivotal stage of political and national modernisation.

AMMAN — A “flying object” crashed early Monday in a border area in Aqaba, according to the General Command of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF).

An official military source said that the crash did not cause any injuries or damage, noting that civil defence teams and a military engineering unit were dispatched to the scene to secure the area and investigate the incident, according to a JAF statement.

The public had been advised to stay away from the object and not to handle it in order to ensure their safety and avoid any potential risks, the source added.

AMMAN — The Foreign Ministry on Monday announced the release of Omair Gharaibeh, a Jordanian journalist who had been detained in Syria since 2017, and his return to Jordan.

Ministry Spokesperson Sufian Qudah stressed that Syrian authorities released Gharaibeh following a special presidential pardon issued by Syrian President Bashar Assad, the Jordan News, Petra, reported.

The Jordanian embassy in Damascus escorted Gharaibeh to the border in an official embassy vehicle, where he was reunited with his family.

Qudah noted that the ministry, in coordination with the Jordanian embassy in Damascus, had followed up on Gharaibeh’s case, and maintained communication with Syrian authorities to ensure his release.

The spokesperson expressed appreciation to the Syrian government for granting the pardon, praising the cooperation of Syrian officials in facilitating Gharaibeh’s return.