'More coordination required to prevent duplication in reform efforts'

AMMAN — Jordan still needs further efforts from local and international institutions that seek to develop political life and boost democracy, political analysts said on Sunday.  

However, the involved institutions must avoid duplication of programmes and seek to create a comprehensive vision for reform, they added in their first coordination meeting, organised by Konrad-Adenauer Stiftung and funded by the EU.

Discussion moderator Mohammad Abu Rumman, a political analyst and researcher, said there are several international institutions working to develop the Kingdom's civil society and political life with an "effective and remarkable role". 

"Coordination among these bodies is very important to avoid contradiction and repetition of efforts," he said, stressing the need for pluralism among political parties as the country heads towards the adoption of parliamentary governments.

"For a parliamentary government to be formed there must be a base for mature political pluralism," said Abu Rumman, who is also a columnist at Al Ghad Arabic daily.

He highlighted the role of political parties and elections laws in implementing the sought reform. 

Abu Rumman said the Elections Law is the "dividing line between activating and not activating the role of political parties", noting that parties should be given the chance to reach Parliament, which will allow them to gain the public's trust.

Oraib Rantawi, director of Al Quds Centre for Political Studies, agreed.

"The duplication we should avoid does not mean that a certain job must be done by a certain entity," he said.

"Jordan should benefit from the expertise by working with international organisations, aside from the financial support they provide to implement their projects in the Kingdom," he said.

Rantawi stressed the importance of the Elections Law in creating a democratic base for effective and "strong" political parties and a comprehensive political system, but said he does not expect a renaissance in the performance of political parties anytime soon, due to "unfriendly regulations".

"There is no punishment for any person or body that violates Jordanians' right to join political parties or anybody that restricts the freedom of these parties, which is guaranteed by the law," he said.

Rantawi criticised the Lower House's swiftness in endorsing the latest constitutional amendments, suggesting that the Independent Elections Commission (IEC) should be a point of reference to political parties. 

MPs could have introduced changes to the amendment expanding the commission's jurisdiction to also encompass dealing with political parties.

As endorsed on Sunday, the amendment to Article 67 of the Constitution grants the IEC authority to administer and supervise any elections assigned by the government, instead of only parliamentary polls.

Rantawi noted that the definition of political parties in the law is the same for non-governmental organisations, calling for further efforts to include political parties in formulating public policies with all stakeholders.

Dragisa Zivkovic, resident programme officer of the International Republican Institute (IRI) in Jordan, said developing the performance of political parties is gradual and cannot take place "overnight".

He noted that IRI is currently working with up to 24 political parties in Jordan on programmes that develop their media outreach, with focus on the involvement of youths in these parties. 

Political parties worldwide have the goal of competing to gain power that allows them to make decisions for the future, Zivkovic said.

"Political parties in Jordan do not see why they should compete," he noted, adding that people are not interested in joining political parties for to the same reasons.