The Chairman of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Dr. Nimir Al-Sleihat, stressed the importance of raising awareness and strengthening political participation, noting that such efforts directly contribute to shaping Jordan’s future.
اضافة اعلان
His remarks came during the committee’s discussion of the Independent Election Commission’s (IEC) budget, attended by IEC Chairman of the Board of Commissioners Musa Al-Maaytah and Secretary-General Dr. Awad Karadsheh. Al-Sleihat requested that the committee be briefed on the commission’s future plans.
For his part, Al-Maaytah said that His Majesty King Abdullah II emphasized in the Speech from the Throne, at the opening of the second ordinary session, the need to encourage political life and strengthen party pluralism.
Al-Maaytah affirmed the IEC’s readiness to conduct municipal elections, drawing on extensive experience accumulated since 2012. He highlighted the launch of the “Jahez” platform, designed to build the capacity of individuals involved in managing the electoral process, available for a nominal fee of 5 dinars.
He noted that 30% of the commission’s budget is allocated to supporting political parties, benefiting between 18 and 20 parties. The IEC also provides indirect support through training and capacity-building programs.
He stressed that political parties are responsible for encouraging citizens to engage in party work through their programs and activities.
Al-Maaytah added that the commission has become a reference point for many Arab countries despite its modest budget, explaining that the recent increase is a result of natural growth in staff salaries. He emphasized that the IEC has highly qualified personnel who continue to receive training and development.
He also highlighted the presence of a specialized women’s empowerment unit within the commission and encouraged taking advantage of its activities. Additionally, he noted that the Electoral Institute offers a master’s program in “Electoral Policies and Administration,” the first of its kind in the region.
Regarding the participation of Jordanians abroad, Al-Maaytah clarified that this matter is governed by the provisions of the Election Law.
For his part, Karadsheh explained that the increase in this year’s budget is due to the natural rise in salaries, noting that 36 vacancies will be filled in coordination with the Civil Service Bureau and the General Administration Authority.
