His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday said parliamentary elections will be held before the end of this year, noting that Jordan is forging ahead with its comprehensive reform process without any hesitation or reluctance.  “It must be clear to all that we are persistent on forging ahead with political reform and that we are seriously working to see parliamentary elections come through before the end of this year,” the King said.

His Majesty made the remarks during a meeting with Lower House Speaker Abdul Karim Dughmi, members of the House's Permanent Bureau, and heads of parliamentary committees and blocs.

The King urged deputies to collaborate with the government to expedite the completion of enactment of laws governing political parties, elections and the constitutional court.

All constitutional amendments and laws achieved so far would be meaningless should they not lead to conducting parliamentary elections on the basis of transparency and integrity, His Majesty stressed. “The next stage is a chance to make headway with political reform and we must not be afraid of taking firm stands towards that end.”

“I want to make it clear for everybody that we are being accurate and careful as we pursue reform because there is no turning back. We also seek to achieve the reform milestones as fast as possible,” he stressed.

The King emphasised that all steps pertaining to reform will be implemented this year, leading up to parliamentary elections. He said he was surprised that some  “theorists” would question the seriousness of the country’s map for political reform.

Stressing that Jordan is forging ahead with its reform drive, he cited the formation of the Independent Elections Commission and the completion of related pieces of legislation.

His Majesty noted that Jordan stands now before a “historic opportunity to determine its future this year,” stressing that Parliament must perform its role as it should “at this crucial stage and make history.”

Expressing hope to see the Lower House finalise the laws pertaining to political life very soon, he said: “We want, from the beginning of the summer, to see you and the people prepare for parliamentary elections.”

On economic conditions, the King said Jordan is facing difficult economic challenges, urging cooperation on economic policies.

Dughmi pledged that the Lower House will fully cooperate with the government to endorse reform-related laws. “What we have seen in terms of the government’s agility and enthusiasm urges us to be equally active and enthusiastic in finalising the reform projects and everything that serves our people.”

Dughmi explained that the draft Political Parties Law will be put on the House’s agenda on Wednesday, and, once done with the political parties bill, the House will immediately move on to the draft Constitutional Court Law.