jordan pulse -

By Dr. Laith Abdullah Al-Qahwii

Jordan’s political system has long maintained a delicate balance between political reform and national stability. In a region marked by turmoil and sudden changes, the country has managed to sustain relative stability through a combination of political wisdom, responsiveness to public demands, and integration between traditional and modern institutions. However, this balance now faces a new test with the implementation of a political modernization system aimed at enhancing democracy by strengthening the role of political parties and parliament in government formation, ultimately moving toward a more representative parliamentary system.

Over the past decades, Jordan has pursued a gradual approach to reform, amending its constitution multiple times to reinforce the separation of powers and introducing new electoral and party laws—all while maintaining its constitutional monarchy. This political flexibility has enabled Jordan to navigate regional crises and cautiously address domestic reform demands without plunging into chaotic transitions. However, this gradual approach has not always resulted in fundamental political transformations. Political party life has remained weak, voter turnout has been modest, and the country has struggled to make meaningful progress toward a fully democratic model.

The launch of the political modernization system represents a critical moment in Jordan’s reform path. The state aims to a political environment where parties can access power through competitive parliamentary elections rather than relying on appointed governments. This shift reflects an official recognition of the need to modernize governance structures in line with global and domestic changes. However, significant challenges remain, including widespread public distrust in political parties, the absence of clear political programs that engage voters, and pressing economic difficulties that overshadow any reform efforts.

Strategically, the success of political modernization depends on the state's ability to strike a careful balance between advancing democracy and ensuring stability. Political reforms without addressing economic problems may yield counterproductive results, as any elected government would struggle to implement its agenda without a strong economic foundation. Conversely, delaying political reforms could deepen public frustration, leading to greater voter apathy and weakening the legitimacy of elected institutions.

Another challenge Jordan faces is navigating regional and international developments that could impact its internal reform process. External pressures—whether political or economic—may influence the pace and extent of reforms. Moreover, regional stability, or the lack thereof, will play a crucial role in shaping Jordan’s political landscape, as past experiences have shown that crises in neighboring countries often have direct repercussions on Jordan’s internal affairs.

On the social level, the success of political reform requires a shift in political culture among citizens and a restoration of confidence in the democratic process. A vibrant party system cannot emerge without genuine public participation and a belief that voting and party engagement can lead to tangible influence in decision-making. In this regard, the role of media, educational institutions, and civil society organizations is crucial in fostering political awareness and encouraging youth involvement in democracy.

Given these dynamics, the coming phase will be decisive in shaping Jordan’s political future. Reforms could lead to a more democratic and effective political system capable of meeting public aspirations, or they could remain superficial without driving substantial change. The ultimate test lies in the seriousness of both the state and society in embracing this transformation, as well as the readiness of political forces to fill the long-standing gap in Jordan’s political system.

In the end, Jordan stands at a crossroads, facing the challenge of achieving balanced political reform without compromising its hard-earned stability. The success of the political modernization system hinges on overcoming traditional obstacles and fostering a new political environment based on effective pluralism and genuine public participation. Only time will tell whether this path will mark a turning point in Jordan’s political history or remain another step in a series of gradual reforms that fail to bring about radical change.