Khaberni - The head of the Parliamentary Financial Committee, Nimr Al-Sulihat, emphasized the importance of spreading awareness and enhancing political participation, as it represents a direct contribution to Jordan's future.
This was during the committee's discussion of the budget of the Independent Election Commission, in the presence of the Chairman of the Commission's Board of Commissioners, Musa Al-Maaytah, and its General Secretary, Awad Karadsheh, where Al-Sulihat requested that the committee be briefed on the Commission's future plans.
For his part, Al-Maaytah confirmed that His Majesty King Abdullah II emphasized in the Throne Speech during the inauguration of the second ordinary session the need to encourage political life and enhance party plurality.
Al-Maaytah pointed to the Commission's readiness to conduct municipal elections, based on its experience since 2012, noting the launch of the "Ready" platform designed for building the capacities of those managing the electoral process, for a nominal fee of 5 dinars.
He explained that 30% of the Commission’s budget is allocated to support the parties, benefiting between 18 to 20 parties, in addition to indirect support provided by the Commission, which includes training and capacity building.
He emphasized that the parties themselves are required to encourage citizens to engage in party work through their programs and activities.
He added that the Commission has become a reference for many Arab countries, despite its modest budget, explaining that the recent increase was due to the natural increase in staff salaries, with emphasis on the Commission’s possession of high competencies that are being developed through ongoing training programs.
Al-Maaytah referred to the presence of a special unit for women's empowerment within the Commission, calling for the benefit from its activities. He also mentioned that the Election Institute offers a master's program in "Election Policies and Management," the first of its kind in the region.
Regarding the participation of Jordanians abroad, he clarified that the matter is linked to the provisions of the election law.
On the other hand, Karadsheh confirmed that the increase in this year’s budget came as a result of the natural increase in salaries, noting that there are 36 vacancies that will be filled in cooperation with the Public Service and Administration Agency.
