By : News Editor
Jordan Daily Jordan’s electoral and party laws have been designed for stability and continuity, requiring a two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives for any amendments, according to Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs Haditha Al-Khraisha.
During a dialogue session with the Jordan Forum For Business & Professional Women on Thursday, Khraisha highlighted that the recent legislative changes aim to increase the involvement of women and youth in political decision-making.
He emphasized that this year’s House of Representatives elections will mark a new political chapter for Jordan, with voters electing representatives based on party programs.
“2024 will be a significant political year,” Khraisha said. “The new electoral law mandates that voters choose from party lists, which have been allocated 41 seats, representing 30% of the House’s total seats. This allocation will rise to 50% in the following House and 65% in the next, leading to a parliament structured around party programs.”
Khraisha urged the importance of engaging youth and university students in political participation, following directives from King Abdullah II. He noted that the candidacy age has been lowered to 25 and party lists must include a young candidate among the top five.
“The legal and legislative framework is supportive and encouraging for the participation of women and youth in politics and parties,” Khraisha stated. He stressed that elections should be based on political programs rather than personal interests, as the core functions of parliament are legislation and government oversight.
Currently, Jordan has 38 licensed political parties with over 88,000 members, indicating a serious commitment to modernizing the political system towards a party-based political life. Khraisha also mentioned regulations for party activities in universities to ensure they do not disrupt the educational process.
Furthermore, chapters on democracy and party life have been incorporated into school and university curricula to promote political awareness.
In terms of women’s participation, the upcoming parliamentary elections will see 18 seats reserved for women under a quota system. Additionally, the electoral law requires parties to allocate at least two of their top six seats to women.
Khraisha expects that more than 20% of the parliamentary seats in the next House will be occupied by women.
Reem Al-Baghdadi, head of the Jordan Forum For Business & Professional Women , praised the political modernization efforts, describing them as a significant step towards a modern Jordan in the kingdom’s second centenary. She expressed hope for enhanced institutional and political focus on women’s roles.
