AMMAN, 24 November 2005 — Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister Marwan Moasher yesterday submitted to King Abdallah a 2,500-page document known as the National Agenda setting guidelines for political and socio-economic reforms.
The document outlines proposals for across the board reform in Jordan over the next 10 years, including the creation of a new election law, expanding press freedoms, bolstering woman’s rights and revamping the economy.
“Political development is part and parcel of comprehensive social, economic, cultural and administrative development,” Moasher said as he presented the document to Abdallah, according to a statement from the royal court.
“This will contribute to building a democratic, modern and prosperous Jordan,” said Moasher who was appointed by the king in February to head a 26-member steering committee to flesh out the document.
“The panel believes that comprehensive reform necessitate action on eight fronts,” Moasher said, adding that the panel worked closely with dozens of public and private sector experts to draft its proposals.
He listed these sectors as political development, justice and legislation, investment, financial reform, labor and vocational training, social welfare, education and infrastructure.
Senate president Zeid Rifai also submitted a report to the king on plans to overhaul local government as part of efforts to increase public participation in the kingdom’s affairs.
In February the king said he wanted elected regional councils established to help set development priorities.
Jordanians from rural areas of the kingdom have long complained that development priorities are skewed to the needs of city dwellers in the capital. Abdallah, who will ratify the two documents before their official launch, urged all concerned parties “to carry out quickly the recommendation in order to meet the ambitions of the Jordanian people”.
