Amman: A dialogue series on the local administration draft law began on Wednesday at the Prime Ministry with a meeting involving the Union of Centrist Parties Parliamentary Bloc. Prime Minister Jafar Hassan emphasized the importance of political modernization and local administration development as outlined in the Royal Letter of Designation to the government.
According to Jordan News Agency, the Prime Minister outlined the necessity for a national dialogue to review legislation governing municipalities and Governorate Councils before the upcoming elections. The local administration law aims to empower municipal councils while establishing mechanisms for oversight, evaluation, and accountability.
Hassan highlighted the critical role municipalities play in local development. The government is committed to enhancing the effectiveness of municipalities by ensuring youth and women's representation in the councils, which will be underscored in the new law. The Prime Minister also mentioned plans to improve the efficiency of local administration staff and automate services to enhance service delivery, in alignment with the Royal Letter of Designation.
The draft law will focus on governance and management of municipalities, financial and administrative discipline, and improving service quality, particularly in governorates. Hassan pointed out that administrative problems plague municipalities, and new legislation is needed to end practices like nepotism that hinder their financial sustainability and efficiency.
The ongoing dialogue involves parliamentary blocs, civil society organizations, and institutions to reach a consensus on the draft law's wording before it is submitted to Parliament this year. Minister of Local Administration Walid Al-Masri shared key pillars of the new draft law, developed through extensive discussions with MPs and relevant stakeholders.
During the meeting, MP Zuhair Khashman, head of the Union of Centrist Parties Parliamentary Bloc, along with other members, provided proposals to advance the draft law and improve local administration. The meeting was attended by several ministers, including those responsible for public works, government communication, political affairs, and Prime Ministry affairs.