Jordan Times
Tuesday, April 6, 2004
Gov't releases political development outline
By Khalid Dalal and Mahmoud Al Abed
AMMAN — The government on Monday released an outline of a three-part strategy to
enhance political life in the Kingdom.
Drafted by the Ministry of Political Development and Parliamentary Affairs, the
Political Development Strategy and Action Plan was a culmination of talks the
government held over six months since last October.
Carried by the Jordan News Agency, Petra, the strategy highlights a programme to
advance political development based on continued dialogue, legislative action
and institutionalisation of policies and practices.
The government seeks through dialogue “to end the phenomenon of silent passive
majority” and support the principle of “compulsory participation” in general
elections.
Prime Minister Faisal Fayez has previously backed the idea of such participation
in polls, following other countries.
The plan specifies parties to be involved in the dialogue process, including the
Parliament, political parties, professional associations, chambers of commerce
and industry, media organisations, intellectuals, artists, women's groups, the
youth and religious leaders. Minister of Political Development and Parliamentary
Affairs Mohammad Daoudiyeh told a press conference yesterday that the government
will begin a national dialogue “soon.”
At the legislative level, the plan envisions a new political parties law that
contributes to building up programme-driven parties that represent the wider
spectra of the society.
“It aims at enhancing the work of the country's more than 30 political parties
and encouraging citizens to participate more in developing political life,” the
minister told reporters.
Under the strategy, the government will allocate financial assistance to
political parties to enhance their work and consequently build a bigger popular
base, he said.
“The Islamic Action Front is a good example of a strong party,” Daoudiyeh
indicated.
The plan also envisages modern parliamentary and municipal laws and seeks to
institutionalise political parties' participation in drawing up public policies.
The strategy highlights an “institutionalised implementation programme” which
involves the formation of a widely-representing Royal committee for political
development.
Onboard the panel will be representatives of political parties and other civil
society institutions, in addition to members of an executive follow-up committee
that would be set up under the action plan. This executive committee will
comprise ministers of political development, foreign affairs, justice, interior
and 10 personalities chosen by the Cabinet.
The Royal panel will particularly work on amending the targeted laws.
A fixed time schedule will be set for the implementation of this programme and
an evaluation process will be periodically conducted on required progress, the
document says.
The plan will be forwarded to Jordanian embassies and local media outlets for
assessment, Daoudiyeh said.
In his Letter of Designation last year, His Majesty King Abdullah urged the
government to work towards enhancing political development and considered it as
one of its top priorities.