His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday reiterated his support for the Royal committee entrusted with reviewing the Constitution.
During a meeting with the panel’s chairman, Ahmad Lozi, and members of the committee, King Abdullah voiced keenness to entrench democracy and reinforce the values of freedom, belonging, citizenship, equality and justice.
The committee briefed the King on its progress in drafting proposals to serve Jordan’s reform process.
King Abdullah formed the 10-member panel in late April to review articles of the Constitution and propose amendments “to establish a balance between authorities and improve political parties’ action and Lower House’s performance”.
At a press conference Saturday, Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit said the committee is expected to complete its mission in July. The amendments proposed, in addition to the outcome of the National Dialogue Committee, will serve as the foundation for changes in the two key political reform laws: the elections and political parties.
In an interview following the meeting, Lozi told Jordan TV that amendments to the Constitution are so important that they need in-depth study and careful and comprehensive review of all articles and changes made to them since 1952.
He underlined the committee’s commitment to the independence of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government and the enhancement of cooperation among them without infringing on the jurisdiction of the other.
“And this needs more time for the committee to take correct decisions,” stressed Lozi, emphasizing the significance of the document.