Notables meet with the delegation of the Arab Network for Democracy in Elections
On Sunday, notable figure Talal Saiten Al-Masri, accompanied by Dr. Maisoon Al-Atoom, met with a delegation from the Arab Network for Democracy in Elections at the Council of Notables. The delegation included Mr. Rashid Hamto, Ms. Raja Al-Jabri, and former notable Ms. Amina Al-Zoubi to discuss the upcoming parliamentary elections of 2024.
During the meeting, Al-Masri emphasized the significance of the 2024 elections in shaping the future for upcoming generations and ensuring that the electoral process adheres to standards of transparency and democracy. He highlighted the role of the Independent Electoral Commission in overseeing the electoral process as a critical step towards achieving these goals. Al-Masri pointed out that this initiative aligns with the national interest of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in addressing economic and geopolitical challenges in the region.
He also noted that the centenary of the Jordanian state is marked by a national project based on the royal vision for political modernization, which led to the formation of the Royal Committee for Political Modernization. The committee’s outputs ensure the implementation of a democratic electoral process that includes a vibrant party life, youth participation, and greater empowerment of women in the democratic process.
Al-Masri further explained that King Abdullah II's advanced royal vision guarantees the democratic process, political development, party life, power transition, and the formation of parliamentary governments as the ultimate goal.
Dr. Al-Atoom underscored the significance of the network’s presence, reflecting the advanced stages that the Kingdom has reached in monitoring the electoral process and achieving democracy. She stated that what has been accomplished aligns with the royal vision for modernization and democracy, emphasizing that the belief of the people in achieving these goals stems from a political culture that evolves over time. The ultimate objective is to foster productive citizens who contribute positively to building the nation.
Ms. Al-Zoubi mentioned that the Arab Network was established to monitor parliamentary elections in Arab countries, highlighting their first observation mission during the 2009 parliamentary elections in Lebanon, which inspired the founding of the network.
Mr. Hamto praised the detailed explanations provided by the notables regarding the electoral process and the political modernization trajectory of the Kingdom. He indicated that the network is evolving from merely monitoring elections to evaluating the electoral process and its environment. He stated that the network’s participation in the upcoming elections is part of the Jordanian invitation to the network, reinforcing the state’s confidence in the electoral process and the application of best practices.
Ms. Al-Jabri reiterated that the Jordanian invitation for monitoring underscores the country’s commitment to developing the electoral process and achieving democracy.
The network delegation expressed their appreciation for the cultural and historical insights shared during the meeting, as well as the parliamentary experience of the council members in terms of legislation and party dynamics, given the presence of the notables as members and founders of Jordanian parties.