jordan pulse -

A dialogue program bringing together lawmakers and political party representatives to discuss the local governance system concluded in Amman on Monday as part of the "Supporting Democratic Reforms in Jordan" project.

The European Union-funded initiative, implemented by Expertise France in partnership with the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, and CFI – French Media Development Agency, provides a platform for political parties to examine legislative provisions governing local administration and identify shared reform priorities.

The program forms part of national efforts supporting the Kingdom’s political, economic, and administrative modernization processes, with the development of local administration frameworks considered a key pillar of the political modernization track.

A total of 28 dialogue meetings, spanning 178 hours, reviewed legislation regulating local administration and explored ways to strengthen the legal and institutional framework governing municipalities and local councils in Jordan.

Secretary-General of the Ministry of Political and Parliamentary Affairs Ali Khawaldeh said the program seeks to deepen dialogue among political parties on the local governance system, reflecting the growing maturity of Jordan’s political landscape and increasing public interest in issues related to municipalities and local councils.

He noted that the Local Administration Law provides a framework for regulating relations between the state and local communities, while enhancing democratic representation, improving service delivery, and strengthening accountability and transparency at the local level.

Khawaldeh added that the ministry will carefully consider the outcomes of the dialogue to ensure that partisan perspectives contribute to shaping public policy. He also highlighted the ministry’s commitment to promoting the participation of youth and women in local councils and to organizing workshops across the Kingdom’s governorates to raise awareness about the importance of participation in municipal elections.

Ambassador of the European Union to Jordan Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas said the EU is working with the government to support the political modernization plan. He noted that the EU deployed a comprehensive mission to observe the parliamentary elections and has submitted its report, with further efforts underway to follow up on the implementation of its recommendations.

He also highlighted the EU’s cooperation with project partners to advance democratic reforms in Jordan and commended the joint efforts undertaken with the Ministry of Political and Parliamentary Affairs.

Meanwhile, Bashar Khatib, representative of the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy in Jordan, said the institute facilitated the dialogue sessions, trained facilitators, and supported the review of policy documents. He added that nine political parties represented in the Lower House of Parliament participated in discussions on issues related to the Local Administration Law over six months beginning last October.

//Petra// AJ