Jordan Times
Thursday, January 27, 2005
King plans decentralisation
New administrative regions to be governed by publicly elected councils
AMMAN (JT) — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday announced plans to
decentralise local government by redrawing provincial administrations that are
to be run by publicly elected local councils.
Emphasising that political, social, economic and administrative development is
an integrated process, King Abdullah said it is “essential to expand the base of
public participation in that process.”
In a televised address to the nation, the King said a review of the current
administrative divisions would yield “development areas, or regions,” each
consisting of various governorates. (see
transcript)
He explained that “each region will have a local council directly elected by its
people to work hand-in-hand with the elected municipal councils in the
governorates to set priorities and draw up plans and programmes related to their
respective regions.”
The King stated that “these tasks should no longer be exclusive to central
decision makers because the people of each region are more aware of their
interests and needs.”
King Abdullah announced that a Royal Committee would be formed to study the
various aspects of such an approach and to set the appropriate mechanisms for
its implementation.
The King's decision means all legislation governing provincial and local
government will be reviewed and amended accordingly, including the 2003
amendment to the Municipal Law which stipulated that half of municipal council
members and all mayors are to be appointed.
Although the time frame for this decentralisation process was not specified,
sources said the aim is for swift implementation.
The new bottom-up strategy of striving for better local governance is seen as a
strong public empowerment mechanism that will better guarantee efficiency in the
provision of local services and encourage political participation.
In his brief address, King Abdullah also congratulated the Palestinian people on
conducting a successful presidential election. Speaking on behalf of Jordanian
citizens, the King reaffirmed Jordan's support for the Palestinian people to
realise their legitimate national aspirations.
The King also urged all citizens of Iraq to go to the polls on Sunday, when the
country will hold its first national elections in more than 50 years.
“The elections are the only realistic way for the Iraqis to achieve security and
stability, rebuild their country, and ensure that Iraq regains its natural and
special status within the region,” King Abdullah said.