A Defining Moment for Jordan’s Political Reform

FNF & Future Forward Launch 100-Day Parliament Study

Amman, Jordan – March 24, 2025

In a pivotal step towards assessing Jordan’s political reform trajectory, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) – Jordan, in collaboration with Future Forward, hosted a landmark event entitled “الحياة الحزبية والنيابية ومجلس النواب العشرون” (Partisan and Parliamentary Life and the 20th House of Representatives).

Held under the patronage of His Excellency Musa Al-Maaytah, Chairman of the Independent Election Commission (IEC), the event convened at Signia by Hilton in Amman, bringing together over 200 participants. Attendees included current and former Members of Parliament, diplomats, civil society leaders, youth activists, media professionals, and political experts, all gathered to discuss the early performance and potential of Jordan’s 20th Parliament.

At the heart of the event was the launch of a comprehensive analytical study evaluating the first 100 days of the 20th House of Representatives. The study offers critical insights into parliamentary performance, party engagement, and public expectations.

Opening Remarks and Vision for Reform

The event opened with remarks from key figures driving democratic development in the region:
- Jörg Dehnert, Regional Director of FNF MENA
- H.E. Musa Al-Maaytah, Chairman of the Independent Election Commission
- Mohammed Awed, Representative of Future Forward
- Khalil Abu Nijmeh, Project Coordinator at FNF Jordan

In his address, Jörg Dehnert expressed gratitude for the high-level engagement, noting:
"We are very much honoured that this time many, so many members of the parliament participated in this yearly political Iftar. We take this also as an opportunity to thank you for your hospitality to our foundation and our work—and also in the name of my colleagues from the other foundations that you offer us here in Jordan. We will always help you and support you in your way, especially in these very difficult times."

Khalil Abu Nijmeh emphasized the significance of the moment, stating:
"This is not an ordinary moment in Jordan’s parliamentary history – it is a turning point. We are not just observing political reform, we are being tested by it. If we want a future with strong parties, an empowered youth, and real representation, we need to stop watching from the sidelines and start being part of the game."

Study Findings: Parliament at a Crossroads

The findings of the study were presented by Claudine Kishek, an FNF scholarship alumna, who led the research and analysis. The study sheds light on critical developments within the first 100 days of the 20th Parliament, identifying both progress and persistent challenges:

- Emerging Parliamentary Blocs: More organized parliamentary work is emerging, with increasing visibility of political parties in legislative behavior. However, internal cohesion within blocs remains inconsistent.
- Reform-Minded Leadership: A new generation of MPs is shaping a more policy-driven and reform-oriented parliamentary culture.
- Public Skepticism Persists: Public trust in Parliament remains limited, signaling an urgent need for transparency, accountability, and better communication.
- Opportunities for Change: Reform-oriented parties and MPs have a unique window to redefine the parliamentary landscape—provided they act with clarity and coordination.

High-Level Dialogue and Panel Discussion

Following the presentation, a panel of distinguished speakers engaged in an open and candid dialogue on the future of party life and parliamentary reform in Jordan. Panelists included:
- H.E. Zuhair Al-Khashman, MP and Head of the National Union Bloc
- Dr. Abeer Dababneh, Commissioner at the Independent Election Commission
- Amro Nawayseh, Executive Officer at Hayat Center – Rased

H.E. Zuhair Al-Khashman reflected on Jordan’s partisan evolution:
"The partisan experience in Jordan is indeed an old one, but its parliamentary concept is a new one. Today, parliamentary blocs are built on party representation and party alliances. Other blocs and parties have faced division due to their decisions, but this indicates that political parties, due to their lack of political empowerment and the absence of a genuine engagement with the parties until now, face real challenges."

The event concluded with closing remarks from H.E. Musa Al-Maaytah and Khalil Abu Nijmeh, reaffirming a shared commitment to supporting democratic institutions and fostering constructive political engagement. Participants then gathered for a Political Iftar, symbolizing unity and the collective national aspiration for a more representative and responsive Parliament.

Looking Ahead

This event, and the study it launched, mark a defining moment in Jordan’s evolving political narrative. As the country continues to implement reforms aimed at revitalizing partisan and parliamentary life, stakeholders across the political spectrum are being called upon to engage proactively.
The message was clear: Jordan stands at a crossroad. The path toward deeper reform and democratic consolidation is laid out—but it requires commitment, collaboration, and courage from all parts of society.