Jordan’s King Abdullah II has told the government to pursue political “modernization,” as proposed constitutional changes leave significant powers in the country with the monarch.
A royal committee appointed by the monarch developed political reform proposals last month. Jordan is in an economic downturn and authorities have intensified a crackdown on dissents this year.
King Abdullah II met Prime Minister Bisher Al Khasawneh and members of the cabinet and urged them to implement the recommendations of the Royal Committee to modernize the country’s political system, the Hashemite Royal Court said in a statement.
The recommendations provided include the introduction of a new election law that allows some candidates to run for parliament across districts if they belong to political parties.
With rather limited legislative responsibilities, the 130-member legislature is mostly a ceremonial body.
King Abdullah II described the bill as ushering in “a new legislative and executive era” in Jordanian politics. A draft of proposed constitutional changes expected to be submitted to parliament commits the state to protect women “from all forms of violence and discrimination,” also following other recommendations by the committee.
