By Lahib Bani Sakher

With all the deliberations that are taking place about the parliamentary election, one question comes to mind; what is the rational logic behind dashing, unprepared to say the least, into a very critical election.

One can not disregard the very important events which are occurring regionally and locally. These events should beckon us to pause and recalculate our next step, in order to come up with the best visionary ideas/processes to achieve our ultimate goal of conducting a fair and transparent election. Thus we will end up with a dynamic, efficient, indocile parliament with expanded legislative and oversight powers. One reflects a true representation of the people, and therefore capable of addressing their needs.

One of the major regional events/factors that might have a direct impact on Jordan's Parliamentary election is the inception of another round of the Palestinian /Isreali peace talks. It is very obvious that the outcome of these talks will have a great impact on Jordan's future in many aspects (demographically, politically, and socially).

Thus, imposing the election at this crucial stage is very questionable indeed.

As for the local constraints, I believe, one of the most important factors was/is the designing & introducing of a revised controversial electoral law, which has been developed in a rush, eliminating and blocking key players (citizens and their representatives), from the active participation in this process, taking advantage of the decision to dissolve the parliament in November 2009.

Again very questionable timing!

By scanning and examining the trends and attitudes of different segments of the society, one can assume that the majority of Jordanians are not fully aware of the importance of the election and their electoral options, and how it will impact their lives both in the short and long term. Moreover, even among reformers there is no consensus on the best electoral system to adopt, and therefore no clear message that might be translated into awareness campaigns to educate the electorate.Therefore and until all stakeholders identify the best electoral system for Jordan,then and only then we can proceed with the process and as they say better late than never.

Another important factor which is affecting the society is the sense of confusion and uncertainty due to the current government political, social, economical decisions and attitudes, which has expanded the gap between the elite and the regular citizen.

Jordanians feel that they have been treated disrespectfully by many members of the government.

In order to eliminate this sense of confusion and perplexity, the government, and before rushing to election, should try to mend the bridges with its people and reassure them about their future. By taking concrete, patriotic, steps and measures to reinstate the sense of belonging which has been lost among many.

Lahib Bani Sakher contributed this article to Ammon News