Amman: Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Independent Election Commission (IEC), Mousa Maaytah, affirmed on Tuesday that Jordan's political modernization project commenced under the direct guidance of His Majesty King Abdullah II, with the core objective of consolidating pluralism and developing public life. Speaking at the "Your Vote Matters" competition organized by the IEC in partnership with the "Ana Usharek" (I Participate) program at the University of Petra, Maaytah stated that the contest serves as a vital awareness initiative under the commission's umbrella. He noted that the project forms part of established efforts to cultivate a generation of Jordanian youth who view active participation in public affairs not as a luxury but as a civic duty. The event was attended by the President of the University of Petra, Rami Abdel-Rahim, alongside several faculty members.
According to Jordan News Agency, Maaytah highlighted that the primary tool for such public engagement is the vote, describing it as an "enlightened, responsible, and impactful voice." He emphasized that universities are not merely lecture halls but crucial spaces where the features of active citizenship are forged alongside professional skills. For his part, the Dean of the Faculty of Mass Communication at the University of Petra, Ali Alnejadat, praised the IEC's ongoing efforts to foster a culture of political participation, entrench democratic values, and empower Jordanian youth to express their ideas and opinions consciously and responsibly.
Alnejadat added that the competition stands as an advanced, civilized model of partnership between national institutions and Jordanian universities, carrying awareness and media messages that help build a generation capable of effectively utilizing digital media and modern communication tools. The event featured an introductory presentation on the competition delivered by the Partnership Project Director, Aws Qutaishat, alongside presentations from various participating universities.
The "Your Vote Matters" competition is an extracurricular, national media initiative targeting students enrolled in journalism and media departments across Jordanian universities. The program aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and digital professionalism, enhance the role of youth in democratic participation and active citizenship, and transform media students into influential digital content creators capable of serving their communities and promoting engagement in public and democratic life.