Geostrategic Media Political Commentary, Analysis, Security, Defense
Eng. Saleem Al Batayneh
A society that fails to ask the right questions cannot expect to arrive at meaningful answers, let alone true knowledge. In Jordan, questions critical to our democracy are either silenced or confined far from the decision-making centers that shape our future. Chaos reigns where policies and laws should prevail, creating a muddled political landscape that undermines trust and progress.
The recent elections have sent a resounding message to the public: leniency and disregard for electoral malpractice foster disillusionment. Laws accused of enabling corruption must be scrutinized, for they have not only permitted but actively facilitated the infiltration of political money into the democratic process. These laws, particularly the election and party laws, must face trial in the court of public opinion. They are complicit in producing an electoral circus where competition is folkloric, candidates act like mafias, and politics has been sold to the highest bidder.
The Election Law: A Legal Fog Hiding Corruption
The election law, combined with the party system, has cast a shadow over Jordan’s political landscape, introducing a whirlwind of corruption disguised in legitimacy. This system has transformed electoral competition into a parody, where some party officials and candidates operate unchecked, permitting actions that should be prohibited. It has created a cycle of political money—a self-sustaining, hellish loop where influence is bought, sold, and inherited like a family business.
No reform can be built on such a flawed foundation. We must acknowledge the sale of parliamentary seats, the monopolization of political influence by a few oligarchies, and the transformation of parties into profit-driven enterprises. Reform begins with a clear admission of these truths, followed by decisive action.
The Collapse of Political Modernization
Jordan’s project for political modernization, born with great fanfare, now lies in tatters. The failure to establish clear, unified rules for political engagement has derailed reform efforts and diminished public trust. Instead of fostering transparency and integrity, lawmakers have resorted to legal loopholes that make political corruption permissible under new guises. The result is a deep wound in our political system—one that threatens the credibility of reform and the very essence of democracy.
The Cost of Political Corruption
Political corruption is the most destructive form of societal rot. It erodes trust in institutions, devalues the media, and breeds frustration and despair among citizens. When corruption seeps into political parties and electoral lists, it taints the entire system, rendering meaningful reform impossible. Reform must be comprehensive, addressing not just the symptoms but the roots of the problem. It must ensure continuity and alignment with state policies while building a foundation of integrity in all sectors.
The Path Forward
Change is not only possible—it is necessary. The philosophy of revision must prevail: laws, including the election and party laws, are not immutable. They must be reformed to curb political money, end the sale and inheritance of parliamentary seats, and protect citizens from exploitation. The closed party list has proven a failure, restricting voter choice and enabling corruption. An open list, where individuals are chosen for their merit, can restore faith in the system and empower voters.
Political parties must also be held accountable. Any party that fails to achieve a minimum threshold of public support—whether 1% or 2%—should face dissolution. Weak, ineffectual parties only burden the nation and obstruct genuine reform.
Hope Amid Disappointment
The mistakes of Jordan’s political system are well known, identified by many, yet persist unaddressed. While we may endure disappointments, we cannot afford to lose hope. The path to reform is clear: confront the failures, hold those responsible accountable, and rebuild with integrity and purpose. Only then can we hope to transform Jordan’s political landscape into one that serves its people and honors their trust.
Eng. Al Batayneh was a member of the Jordanian parliament.
