ammonnews.net

By Barik Mahadin *

AMMONNEWS - The upcoming parliamentary election have made their way into the main headlines and into the streets of Amman, only normal as they will bear the fruits of our journey towards reforms. However, in this term of election, voters get to cast two ballots; one for an independent candidate and one for a candidate from a political party list on a national level.

In a system favoring tribal candidates for a long time, this modern concept of political parties or national lists might seem alien. Also, there is a lack of prior political experience with the new model, making it perhaps a little harder to transform Jordan into the new democratic phase.

Nevertheless, with more than sixty lists officially registered to contest in election, one can see the thirst for change and feel the need for harvest. The high number of national lists representing a diverse spectrum from leftist to rightist, with the exception of the Islamist wing, reflects a positive sign of participation popularity among voters, in addition to the urge for broadminded democratic emancipation under the umbrella of the constitution.

More cause for hope is the anticipated formation of parliamentary blocs. This type of program convergence between the various political wings (liberal, socialist, conservative…etc.) will allow a sustainable, comprehensive policy-making process that will serve best the interests of Jordan; a clear-cut stand on issues like health, taxation and public services, which is vital in carrying our political life into a more sophisticated level.

Among the new electoral law amendments, the system of national lists/political parties has been introduced. A system that deserves all support from us, the compatriots of Jordan. Once implemented, this system will deliver the true aspirations of the Jordanian citizens. It is our duty toward our country to produce an elite of parliamentarians who are well-educated, experienced, politically engaged and truly capable of establishing firm grounds for a developed political doctrine in the years to come, simply by giving out our votes responsibly.

Jordanians have always believed in Jordan, first and foremost, and this is what have placed us among the most patriotic nations, averting us the chaotic neighboring disorder. The profound sense of pride will trump the strong tribal allegiances, shifting the country into a more progressive chapter. The national lists, political parties and the parliamentary blocs will further solidify the country’s pace of reform, serving as a vanguard to prevent the clash caused by the more entrenched and better-organized forces in the aftermath of our Jordanian Spring.

* Barik Mahadin is a second year International Business Student, he contributed this article to Ammon News English.