The Rule of Law and Citizenship

The Hashemite leadership, under King Abdullah II, strives to achieve justice and equality by safeguarding citizens’ rights and applying the law to all with the utmost fairness and transparency. His Majesty has affirmed that the rule of law is the umbrella that protects the march towards democracy and reform in Jordan. It is also a key factor in achieving development and advancement. Therefore, the King has made it a special priority to fight wasta (nepotism) and corruption in all their forms, urging all state institutions to take the measures necessary to eliminate these phenomena.

In the Sixth Discussion Paper, His Majesty addressed the rule of law as the basis for the civil state: “As I have said, every citizen, official and state institution must fulfil the duty of protecting and enhancing the rule of law, which is the essence of a prudent administration that adopts justice and equality as the pillars of its approach. We cannot achieve sustainable development, empower our creative youth or successfully execute our development plans unless we develop state administration and enhance the rule of law through strengthening the principles of justice, equality and transparency. These noble principles are the basis of the Great Arab Awakening and Revolt and this year we celebrate its centennial anniversary.”

Over the past few years, Jordan has worked to establish new democratic institutions concerned with bolstering the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served to all. Foremost of these institutions are the Constitutional Court, the Independent Election Commission, the Jordan Integrity and Anti-Corruption Commission and the Royal Comittee for Developing the Judiciary and Enhancing the Rule of Law.

Since respecting and bolstering law and order require citizens’ awareness of their rights and duties to the best interest of the nation, His Majesty has repeatedly stressed the importance of active citizenship as an indivisible component of the democratisation process. In the Fourth Discussion Paper, “Towards Democratic Empowerment and Active Citizenship,” the King affirmed the importance of having active citizenship lead to engagement in political life and the expansion of the decision-making base, arriving at parliamentary governments.

The importance of active citizenship does not stop at that. His Majesty has stressed that it is one of the vital resources that guarantee Jordan’s resilience and national unity.

The King has also worked to launch the Democratic Empowerment Programme ‘Demoqrati’ under the umbrella of the King Abdullah II Fund for Development, to be geared towards instilling the principles of active citizenship and empowering individuals and institutions.