By Amer Al Sabaileh

Those who believe in the necessity of ensuring the success of elections in Jordan, should insist on building social harmony, and a calm political atmosphere to precede the electoral process. Otherwise, elections might not solve all the problems they are expected to, nor quell all the current discontent.

Actually, it might serve to maintain many of the current issues. In this regard it is important to recall the words of the former US Secretary of State John Foster Dulles: “The measure of success is not whether you have a tough problem to deal with, but whether it is the same problem you had last year."

Increasing fuel prices, spreading discontent and ongoing political arrests raise questions about the value of elections. Consequently, it would be difficult to encourage Jordanians to participate in any renewed electoral process.

There is no doubt that Jordan is in dire need of restoring and fostering “trust and credibility”. The most important thing that needs to be done is to transcend the mentality of stubbornness and defiance amongst those who insist on applying political steps without consideration of the path that leads to success. Actually, this mentality makes the process of reform near impossible, widening the gap between individuals on the ground and any impending changes.

In theory, it is difficult to criticize the lead up to elections with an “independent commission for elections led by a distinguished figure”, “international standards”, “new registration records” and “monitoring”. However, there are many steps that need to be taken soon in order to make these elections succeed. Jordan needs measures to adopt a policy of political inclusion of all the political powers. The government needs to apply some concrete steps in fighting corruptions. Finally, as a of good faith and to demonstrate the importance of political freedom, perhaps even to release political prisoners and stop all forms of repressive practices against activists.

In the middle of this tense atmosphere, on Tuseday 4th of December, the Ministry of Political Development hosted a big workshop aimed to discuss the concept of “Parliamentary Government”. Among those attending were figures from the “old guard”, including Ministers and Prime Ministers. However, most of the young activists were absent.

Many wonder if the old guard, recognize that “Parliamentary Government” would mean that the Prime Minister will not only be a creator, leader and guide of the cabinet; but he will also be the leader and guide of the Parliament—or of its majority party.

As leader of the parliamentary majority, he can influence the decisions of the parliament according to his wishes. As leader of the popularly chosen majority party, he is the leader of the nation and he is the chief spokesman of the country on foreign affairs. Is there a real political willingness in Jordan for all that?

Before all of this, what Jordan needs first is the willingness to close a thorny era, and adopt new politics. Jordan needs clear, realistic steps, new tactics and new faces to bring in the coming era. To those who disagree, the words of the Russian theorist Mikhail Bakunin serve as a warning: “Nothing is worse than the Tyranny of the minority when it looks like an expression of the will of the people.”

Dr. Amer Al Sabaileh
http://amersabaileh.blogspot.com