“In an arc of reform from Morocco to Jordan to Qatar, we are seeing elections and new protections for women and the stirring of political pluralism”

President George .W. Bush
State of the Union Address
February 2, 2005

Since October 2003 His Majesty King Abdullah II has made political reform a priority in Jordan. Political reform is necessary in order to guarantee the development of civil society. The advancement of personal freedoms, freedom of the press, human rights and the empowerment of women are basic sovereignties that will undergo further progression under the plans for political reform. The reform agenda is already in execution and the Ministry of Political Development (MOPD) has been created for the purpose of overseeing the reform process and has established a clear plan of action to be followed. With the vision of success and the intention to include several groups, the MOPD is working with political parties and labor and trade unions during the reform process. New political parties and election laws are being implemented to promote the development of a political body that encourages the participation of civil society and to ensure a smooth, successful reform process. The Prime Minister and government appointed in October 2004 declared their commitment to accelerated economic and political reforms and the new cabinet includes an unprecedented four women as ministers.