Al-Fayez Addresses Political Reform at AAU

Al- Ahliyya Amman University (AAU) hosted a lecture entitled ‘The Reform Process in Jordan’, given by His Excellency Faisal Al- Fayez ,the former prime minister, in which he reviewed the political and economic reform process in Jordan under the guidance of His Majesty King Abdullah II.Al-Fayez stressed that His Majesty was the first to call for comprehensive reform when he ascended the throne, and that this call has been emphasized in his different speeches to the nation as well as his designation letters to the various governments. Mr. Fayez pointed out that Jordan has enjoyed the true political will to achieve comprehensive reform under the directives of His Majesty. Crowning these reforms have been the amendments to the 1952 constitution which have served to reactivate the monitoring and legislative roles of the Lower House as well as reinforce the role of the constitutional powers, in addition to granting the judicial power full independence.Mr. Fayez added that His Majesty has set a road map for comprehensive reform, which has resulted in holding parliamentary and municipal elections this year in accordance with the new laws. He also highlighted the importance of finalizing the enforcement of the laws regulating the political and partisan work to encourage public participation in decision making. Some of these laws are: law of the independent elections commission, law of constitutional court, law of political parties and law of municipalities. Work is still under way to enact a new elections law. Mr. Fayez expressed confidence that this year holds the promise of becoming the year of comprehensive reform in Jordan. His Excellency AAU president Professor Sadeq Hamed welcomed Mr. Al-Fayez, thanking him for giving such a valuable lecture. At the end of the lecture, the former prime minister, the administrative and academic staff and the students participated in an open and candid discussion.