His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday underscored the need to continue enhancing the Kingdom’s democratic process to ensure a better future for all Jordanians and fulfil their ambitions of a new Jordan, based on the rule of law and founded on justice, equality, freedom and human rights.

In the Speech from the Throne inaugurating the 16th Parliament’s second ordinary session, the King stressed that with the region undergoing “sensitive” and transformational developments, it has become obligatory to move forward with the reform process based on a well-defined roadmap and wholehearted commitment. “We need to overcome and rectify mistakes, and uphold meritocracy and accountability, which guarantee balance between the branches of the government,” the King noted.

Stressing that achieving political reform is today’s top priority, he noted that “big strides” have been made so far in the reform process, such as the recent endorsement of the constitutional amendments, the public gatherings and teachers associations laws, and the regulations organising the conduct of media and freedom of expression.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Her Majesty Queen Rania, His Royal Highness Prince Hussein, number of the Royal Family, the Prime Minister, the President of the Judicial Council, the Royal Court Chief, the King's  advisers, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, senior civilians and military officials and members of the diplomatic missions in Jordan.