A Reading into the Thought of His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al-Hussein (34)

Everyone, institutions and individuals alike, are partners in bearing national responsibility

Challenges are many and difficult, but the drive and determination of Jordanian men and women are greater and stronger than any challenges

The advanced democratic society is the one committed to the principles of citizenship, mutual respect, and practicing the duty of accountability

Among the simplest forms of the sense of citizenship is exercising the right to vote

The citizen constitutes the fundamental building block in constructing our democratic system

Jordan derives its resolve and strength from its national institutions and the determinations of its sons and daughters and their sincere, loyal belonging

Our state is youthful with its youth, and we urge youth to enter the fields of public work and assume its leadership

Active citizenship is more than just a right; it is a responsibility that forms the core of peaceful development, security, and stability

I had reviewed in the previous parts of this study seven themes: the Royal vision on elections and the role of the House of Representatives, the Royal vision on political parties, the Royal vision on judicial development and the rule of law, the Royal vision on freedom of press and expression, the Royal vision on supporting and empowering youth, the Royal vision on supporting and empowering women, and the Royal vision on forming parliamentary and partisan governments; and in this part and the one following it, I address "The Royal Vision on Citizenship and Popular Participation"

His Majesty the King attaches great importance to the subject of citizenship and popular participation, and emphasizes that genuine and sincere belonging to Jordan and translating this into action is the measure of good citizenship, that everyone, institutions and individuals, are partners in bearing responsibility—especially since challenges are numerous and difficult, yet the drive and determination of Jordanian men and women are greater and stronger than any challenges—and that Jordan will remain, as it has always been, a model of coexistence, compassion, and solidarity among all its sons and daughters in an environment dominated by tolerance. The advanced democratic society is one committed to the principles of citizenship, mutual respect, and the practice of accountability. Among the simplest manifestations of the sense of citizenship is exercising the right to vote, and the reform program requires the participation of all segments in political and economic modernizations. It is emphasized that the citizen forms the fundamental building block in constructing our democratic system, and that Jordan derives its resolve and strength from its national institutions, the determinations of its people, and their sincere, earnest belonging to build the future with a positive spirit. Our kingdom is a youthful state with its youth, and His Majesty invites young people to enter the fields of public work and assume its leadership—especially since the phase our homeland is undergoing toward modernization requires maximizing popular participation. Active citizenship is more than just a right; it is a responsibility that constitutes the core of peaceful development, security, and stability. What we want from popular participation is for intentions to be sincere toward the homeland, preserving national constants and defending them; popular participation contributes to building the aspired future and achieves the citizen's participation in decision-making. Political participation does not have a positive impact unless every citizen believes in "active citizenship," reinforced by a set of principles and the provision of tools for active citizenship, and that everyone is a partner in sacrifices and gains. Given the importance of the foregoing, His Majesty directs the government to entrench the principles of citizenship and belonging and to encourage active participation. He emphasizes the role of legislation in expanding popular participation, instilling awareness of democratic culture to enable citizens to truly participate in decision-making, entrenching good citizenship behaviors, and crystallizing a collective sense of dignity and pride in achievements, while emphasizing that non-engagement in the political process or boycotting it deprives a person of a genuine opportunity to participate. Below, I elucidate some facets of the Royal vision on citizenship and popular participation.

First: Genuine, sincere belonging to Jordan and translating it into action is the measure of good citizenship

His Majesty the King affirms that true, sincere belonging to Jordan and embodying that through action and practice is the measure of good citizenship. The good citizen who truly belongs to Jordan does not express belonging through slogans and outbidding, but rather through good citizenship that offers the homeland everything positive, believing in its constants and interests. His Majesty the King stated in the Speech from the Throne at the opening of the third session of the 13th Parliament on November 1, 1999: "On this basis, we in Jordan believe that we are one family whose members are equal in all rights and duties regardless of origins and lineages. We also believe that true, sincere belonging to Jordan, and translating this belonging into action and the performance of duties, is the measure of good citizenship."

Second: Everyone, institutions and individuals, are partners in bearing national responsibility

His Majesty pointed out that everyone in Jordan—public or private institutions and individuals—are partners in bearing national responsibility, and the government must consolidate the rules of the democratic march and deepen democratic awareness. In this regard, His Majesty the King said in the Speech from the Throne at the opening of the third session of the 13th Parliament on November 1, 1999: "My government will work to consolidate the rules of this democratic march and open horizons for it, by working to deepen democratic awareness among the people, establishing the rules of dialogue among civil society institutions, respecting the opinion of others, safeguarding public freedoms, and political pluralism, within a framework of commitment to the spirit of the constitution, respect for laws, and belonging to the soil of this dear homeland, stemming in this from our conviction that we, all institutions and individuals, are partners in bearing our national responsibilities, and partners in shaping the present and future of this homeland."

Third: Challenges are many and difficult, but the drive and determination of Jordanian men and women are greater and stronger than any challenges

His Majesty's pride and confidence in Jordanian men and women is great, and he emphasizes that they are stronger and greater than the challenges despite their multitude and difficulty, and that the drive and determination of Jordanians will face all challenges. His Majesty the King stated in the Speech from the Throne at the opening of the first ordinary session of the 17th Parliament on November 3, 2013: "The challenges are many and difficult, but the drive and determination of Jordanian men and women are greater and stronger, and we are confident that the future will be better. We will overcome all challenges and make much out of little, and the sacrifices of Jordanians are a motive for all institutions to work with strong determination. Your responsibility toward present and future generations is a trust upon your necks, following the Almighty's saying: 'And those who are to their trusts and their covenants attentive,' Sadaq Allah Al-Atheem."

Fourth: A salute of pride and honor to all Jordanians

His Majesty the King is proud and honors all Jordanians, directing a salute of pride and honor to them. This is among the traits of the inspired leader who is proud of his people, a leader who rouses determination and loves his people—a state of mutual affection between the leader and the people. His Majesty the King said in the Speech from the Throne at the opening of the second ordinary session of the 17th Parliament on November 2, 2014: "On this day, I direct a salute of pride and honor to all Jordanians, who have proven over the years their ability to endure in facing the challenges imposed by historical transformations in the region, relying on their national unity and consensus to protect this homeland, which has offered much for the causes of its Arab and Islamic nation."

Fifth: Jordan will remain, as it has always been, a model in coexistence, compassion, and solidarity among all its sons and daughters in an environment dominated by tolerance

His Majesty's pride in Jordan is immense, affirming that Jordan will always remain a model of coexistence where relations of compassion and solidarity prevail among its sons and daughters, Muslims and Christians alike, confronting extremism, fanaticism, and blind, hateful terrorism. His Majesty the King stated in the Speech from the Throne at the opening of the second ordinary session of the 17th Parliament on November 2, 2014: "And Jordan will remain, as it has always been, a model of coexistence, compassion, and solidarity among all its sons and daughters, Muslims and Christians, a haven for those seeking assistance among our brethren, a defender of right, and unwavering in facing extremism, fanaticism, and blind terrorism."

Sixth: The advanced democratic society is the one committed to the principles of citizenship, mutual respect, and practicing the duty of accountability

His Majesty emphasizes that the advanced democratic society is the society committed to the principles of citizenship, mutual respect, practicing the duty of accountability, partnership in sacrifices and gains, constructive dialogue, and accepting the other's opinion, which are necessities for success toward entrenching democracy.

His Majesty stated in the second discussion paper issued on January 16, 2013: "Developing our democratic system to serve all Jordanians": "Building an advanced democratic society is the product of learning from accumulated experiences, joint efforts, and developing it over time; this is not achieved through a specific reform phase or a single set of reforms. Democratic reform cannot be reduced to merely amending laws and regulations, but rather requires continuous development of the approach governing practices and the relationship between citizens, the government apparatus, and deputies who carry the trust and responsibility of decision-making on behalf of the citizens who elected them. As I pointed out in the first discussion paper, our commitment to the principles of true citizenship, mutual respect, practicing the duty of accountability, partnership in sacrifices and gains, and constructive dialogue leading to consensus throughout our blessed journey are necessities for our success as a nation in its endeavor toward entrenching democracy."

His Majesty added in the royal designation letter addressed to His Excellency Dr. Fayez Al-Tarawneh on April 27, 2012: "The historical phase that our homeland is passing through on its path toward modernization, democracy, and maximizing popular participation requires continuing to deal civilly with all manifestations of protest and demands by absorbing and understanding their motives, so that they may be a tributary to organized popular work that enriches the march, enhances participation, and ensures the strengthening of trust between the state with its institutions and the people."

Seventh: Jordan will remain the impregnable fortress and the safe haven

His Majesty said in the Speech from the Throne at the opening of the third ordinary session of the 17th Parliament on November 15, 2015: "Despite the seriousness of the transformations and crises our region is going through, Jordan has proven that it is most capable of turning challenges into opportunities by adopting a roadmap for reform, development, and advancement as a consensual national choice to achieve the future that our people and dear homeland deserve.

Jordan will remain the impregnable fortress, the safe haven, the stable home, and the model nation in strength, cohesion, and coexistence among all its sons and daughters, Muslims and Christians alike, united by their belonging to the homeland and loyalty to the message of the Great Arab Revolt, whose Hashemite banner we still carry."

Eighth: Exercising the right to vote is one of the simplest forms of the sense of citizenship

His Majesty affirms that one of the simplest forms of the sense of citizenship is exercising the right to vote, and accordingly, it can be said that voting is both a right and a duty. Therefore, true belonging dictates that every citizen takes the initiative to participate in parliamentary elections. His Majesty said in the Speech from the Throne at the opening of the fourth ordinary session of the 13th Parliament on November 25, 2000: "As for the citizen, he is the goal of this vision and the means to achieve it through his role in choosing the members of the House of Representatives. Therefore, true belonging requires that every citizen, when the upcoming parliamentary elections take place, takes the initiative to exercise his right to choose whom he believes represents him, and whom he believes is qualified and capable of carrying this national vision and working to turn it into a tangible reality.

His Majesty the King said in the first royal designation letter addressed to His Excellency Engineer Ali Abu Al-Ragheb on June 19, 2000: "I affirm here what I said in the address I directed to our single Jordanian family on the Accession to the Throne anniversary, which is that one of the simplest forms of the sense of citizenship is for each of us to take the initiative to exercise his right to vote for whom he believes is his representative and whom he believes is qualified and capable of absorbing our future national visions."

His Majesty added in the first royal designation letter addressed to His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Ensour on October 10, 2012: "The lesson in all of the above is that the Jordanian citizen will determine through the ballot boxes his upcoming parliament and the government emerging from it, and will enjoy a more democratic atmosphere through the oversight of several institutions that protect rights, freedoms, and the balance between the branches of government. This preamble was necessary to clarify the reformist direction that we emphasize continuing and developing.

It is also hoped from your government, during the period separating us from polling day, to continue dialogue with all segments of society, parties, and political forces to encourage them to participate actively in the elections, both by running and by voting."

His Majesty said in the third discussion paper, "Roles Awaiting Us for the Success of Our Renewed Democracy," on March 2, 2013: "I am fully convinced that we will cooperate among ourselves as one Jordanian people over the coming years, just as we have always been, to benefit collectively from our experiences and proceed in developing our democracy. I am also confident that the awareness, wisdom, and capacity for giving possessed by the Jordanian people will make this journey a success story.

There is no doubt that we will face major challenges, and sometimes we will encounter new and unfamiliar difficulties. This is expected because we seek to accomplish something new and different for a better future, but I am certain of our ability to overcome challenges together. Democracy is the system most capable of any other system in facing various challenges when every male and female citizen has a voice to share and a role to play."

Ninth: The reform program requires the participation of all segments in the entirety of political, economic, and social modernizations

His Majesty said in the Speech from the Throne at the opening of the fourth ordinary session of the 13th Parliament on November 25, 2000: "The nation's march needs sincere effort, tireless work, steady determination, and fruitful cooperation among the members of our single Jordanian family, so that we may all build the future of generations in a secure, stable, and prosperous homeland, God willing. I ask Almighty God to grant success to us all and guide our steps on the path of goodness, in service of our homeland and nation."

His Majesty said in the second royal designation letter addressed to His Excellency Engineer Ali Abu Al-Ragheb on January 4, 2002: "I have previously pointed out the necessity of developing political life in Jordan, and the participation of all activities and civil society institutions in a spirit of responsibility and keenness on the nation's gains. Intellectual, political, and partisan pluralism is the essence of democratic life, and difference of opinion and interpretation is a legitimate matter as long as it does not contradict the constitution or lead to civil strife, sedition, or the destabilization of security and stability. The Jordanian individual possesses a degree of awareness and belonging that enables him to comprehend the meaning of responsible freedom and the supreme national interest, and we will not allow anyone or any faction to tamper with this march or disrupt it.

His Majesty the King stated in the royal designation letter addressed to His Excellency Dr. Adnan Badran on April 5, 2005: "The reform program requires the participation of all Jordanian social segments in it to effectively and fully contribute to the entirety of political, economic, and social modernizations.

Our determination is set in the next phase to accelerate the pace of reform and institutionalize it through the National Agenda, whose outlines have appeared with precision and comprehensiveness, to the extent required by all its stages without exception, driven by the conviction and participation of all Jordanian men and women, especially since citizenship is not a rentier relationship with the state, but rather a productive partnership and a shared destiny. Consequently, there is no success without generalizing efforts and accumulating achievements."

His Majesty added in the Speech from the Throne at the opening of the second ordinary session of the 16th Parliament on October 26, 2011: "The delicate regional circumstances and the transformations witnessing the region push us to emphasize our firm conviction that popular participation, clarity in charting the features of the path, commitment to the approach of reform, overcoming and correcting mistakes, and completing the structure of justice, meritocracy, and accountability—which guarantees a balance between the branches of government—are the only way to achieve reform, development, and moving forward."

His Majesty said in the second royal designation letter to His Excellency Dr. Marouf Al-Bakhit on February 1, 2011: "Since we assumed the trust of responsibility, we have adopted comprehensive reform as a steadfast path to accumulate the nation's achievements, and to keep pace with the spirit of the new era whose challenges dictate unleashing the energies of all Jordanians to overcome them, and whose opportunities require empowering all sons of the nation with the tools of science, knowledge, and qualification. We clarified the importance of focusing on economic reform as a necessity to provide the best livelihoods for our people across the entire nation, and as a goal that will not reach its extent without political reform that increases citizens' participation in decision-making."

His Majesty added in the royal designation letter to His Excellency Dr. Fayez Al-Tarawneh on April 27, 2012: "Accordingly, tasking this government for a specific transitional period is contingent upon completing the formulation of the system of reformist political laws and legislation, consolidating our democratic march, and expanding the base of popular participation in decision-making—all of this within an atmosphere of freedom, pluralism, and respect for the other opinion within the framework of targeted, constructive national dialogue based on our national constants, our clear vision for the future Jordan, and prioritizing the national interest over all interests and considerations, which meets the aspirations of the people of our dear homeland in comprehensive reform."

Tenth: The citizen constitutes the fundamental building block in constructing our democratic system

His Majesty said in the third discussion paper, "Roles Awaiting Us for the Success of Our Renewed Democracy," on March 2, 2013: "The role of the citizen, who constitutes the fundamental building block in constructing our democratic system, is what I would like to discuss in the final part of this paper. The engagement of citizens in public life is essential for developing the system of effective political parties that we need. Citizens are also the ones who have the final say in holding governments accountable through their electoral votes, level of awareness, and participation.

We must all realize that voting in elections is part of this role, and I commend here the effort of everyone who exercised this democratic right, expressed themselves, and made their voice heard in the recent elections. Although voting is a pivotal part of the reform process, it is not the end of the road. Holding the government and the House of Representatives accountable requires strong participation by citizens in public affairs.

Furthermore, citizens currently have a pivotal role in building a sound democratic society. All Jordanians must take the initiative to express their voices through the tools available to them, most notably by exercising their electoral duty in parliamentary councils, municipalities, trade unions, universities, founding local groups and associations, writing letters and objections, blogging, and interacting via social media."

Eleventh: Jordan draws its resolve and strength from its national institutions and the determinations of its sons and their sincere, faithful belonging

His Majesty the King affirms that Jordan derives its determination and strength from its national institutions, the resolve of its people, their sincere and loyal belonging, their absolute love for their kingdom, and their work in its finest forms so that Jordan remains an oasis of security and stability and achieves radical reforms in all fields. His Majesty said in the Royal Designation Letter addressed to His Excellency Dr. Abdul Raouf Al-Rawabdeh on March 4, 1999: "I address you as the homeland passes through a promising new stage, in which I assumed responsibility as the successor to the great father, may the Almighty shower him with His mercy and dwell him in His spacious gardens. He, alongside loyal Jordanians, built this good homeland with sweat and effort into an oasis of security, stability, and achievement, until it became the focus of sight and hearing. The stage, with its circumstances, data, and requirements, calls upon everyone for cohesion and harmony in a unified march that mobilizes and pools all efforts to complete national building, develop institutionalism, and carry out radical reforms in all fields."

He added in the first Royal Designation Letter addressed to His Excellency Engineer Ali Abu Al-Ragheb on June 19, 2000: "I believe that the government, with its apparatuses, cannot work and produce unless we all help it create the appropriate environment for work, production, and creativity. The future is promising, thank God, and the economic performance of reforms is beginning to appear in figures. Nevertheless, another period will pass that must be worked to be as short as possible so that our citizen, who set an example in patience and endurance, may feel the results of this reform."

His Majesty said in the second Royal Designation Letter addressed to His Excellency Engineer Ali Abu Al-Ragheb on January 14, 2002: "All that I have preceded and referred to in my aforementioned letter represents our anticipation of the future and expresses our absolute convictions in our role and promising potentials. We must work with a comprehensive vision and absolute confidence, and mobilize all the energies of the homeland and its people so that the march of goodness and building continues."

His Majesty the King said in the Royal Speech from the Throne at the opening of the fourth ordinary session of the 14th Jordanian National Assembly on November 28, 2006: "In the name of God, and with His blessing, we inaugurate the fourth ordinary session of the 14th National Assembly, asking the Almighty God to help us bear the trust of responsibility, grant us success in serving our dear people, achieve their noble national and humanitarian hopes and aspirations, and complete the building of modern Jordan—the Arab, Muslim Jordan, Hashemite in conscience and heart, which derives its determination and strength from its national institutions, the steadfast resolve of its people, their free will, and their sincere, loyal belonging to the soil of this dear homeland and its noble message; this belonging that has taken root in their hearts and consciences, and is embodied in their national slogan, 'Jordan First' in all circumstances and conditions.

The internal and external challenges around us are numerous and serious, and they must be addressed with the utmost seriousness and responsibility. There is no room for postponement, deferral, or laxity in implementation. We are confident that, with God's help and the resolve of the Jordanian Nashama (brave men and women), we are stronger than all these challenges, and we are capable of confronting them by reinforcing and strengthening our internal front.

In order to achieve these goals, my government is committed to reinforcing and strengthening the internal front, consolidating the principles of citizenship and belonging, and clearly and explicitly adhering to national constants and the democratic approach, in order to achieve political pluralism and respect the opinion of the majority."

His Majesty the King said in the first Royal Designation Letter to His Excellency Mr. Samir Al-Rifai on December 9, 2009: "Our loyal people are ready to bear all hardships and face all challenges if they are convinced that those serving them in state institutions are performing their duties within institutional frameworks subject to legal oversight, and immunized against all forms of corruption, abuse of office, and circumvention of the law."

Twelfth: I call upon all citizens to continue sincere, hard work to build the future with a positive spirit

His Majesty the King said in the Royal Speech from the Throne at the opening of the third ordinary session of the 18th National Assembly on October 14, 2018: "From this rostrum, I address greetings to the great Jordanian people—patient and loyal, the people of resolve and solid will. I call upon everyone, as we approach the first centenary of the establishment of the resilient Jordanian state, to hold our heads high and continue sincere, hard work to build the future we want.

In conclusion, I call upon you all for a positive spirit and constructive cooperation to be the title of our stage, and the motive for us all to give and contribute, wishing you success in serving dear Jordan and our precious people."

Thirteenth: I address my greetings to every Jordanian man and woman who contributed to the march of renaissance and building

His Majesty the King said in the Royal Speech from the Throne at the opening of the fourth ordinary session of the 18th National Assembly on November 10, 2019: "Through you, I address greetings to every Jordanian man and woman who contributed to the march of renaissance and building, each from their position, and I specifically mention my brothers and sisters, comrades-in-arms, the bearers of the dearest slogan to our hearts from the Nashama of the Jordanian Armed Forces - the Arab Army, and the security agencies, active and retired. To them goes all our appreciation and pride.

Jordanians have stood, as they have always been, as shields to protect the homeland and its achievements. The Jordanian does not retreat in the face of hardships; rather, he stands firm and perseveres. He has inherited the determination and persistence to work and achieve, generation after generation. From our people, we derive determination and optimism."

Fourteenth: Our state is youthful in its youth, and we urge the youth to enter the fields of public work and assume its leadership.

Youth hold a special place and an important role in the Supreme Royal Vision, and His Majesty the King emphasizes the necessity of empowering youth and providing them with opportunities. I had reviewed this in detail when I spoke in this study about 'The Royal Vision in Supporting and Empowering Youth,' and here I speak about the role of youth in the aspect related to 'The Royal Vision on Citizenship and Popular Participation.' His Majesty the King said in the Royal Speech from the Throne at the opening of the extraordinary session of the 19th National Assembly on December 10, 2020: "Thank God, this homeland, with the strength of its people, is capable of proceeding with resolve and steadfastness. Our state is youthful in its youth, great in its achievements, and impregnable in the unity of its people.

Whoever knows the history of this homeland stands in awe and respect for its march, which for a hundred years has been lofty and solid like the mountains of Jordan, built by the hands of its people and children, and the resolve and sacrifices of fathers and grandfathers who achieved the greatest accomplishments with the least resources and wrote a success story named Jordan. Peace be upon Jordan and its great people.

Seventeenth: What we want from popular participation is for intentions to be sincere toward the homeland, preserving national constants and defending them

His Majesty said in the Royal Speech from the Throne at the opening of the second ordinary session of the 15th National Assembly on October 5, 2008: "As for expanding political participation at the comprehensive national level, this ambition calls for urging certain groups to participate and vote, especially youth and women, and encouraging them to enter the fields of public work and assume its leadership."

Fifteenth: The historical stage through which our homeland is passing towards modernization requires maximizing popular participation

His Majesty the King said in the Royal Speech from the Throne at the opening of the second ordinary session of the 15th National Assembly on October 5, 2008: "The standing that we aspire for Jordan to occupy regionally and globally in terms of freedoms and political openness requires official work and effort from all parties to entrench the culture of democracy, adopt dialogue as a means for civilizational communication, and maximize popular participation in an environment dominated by the values of tolerance, freedom of thought, and fostering creativity."

His Majesty said in the Royal Designation Letter addressed to His Excellency Dr. Fayez Al-Tarawneh on April 27, 2012: "The historical stage that our homeland is passing through on its path toward modernization, democracy, and maximizing popular participation requires continuing to deal civilizationaly with all forms of protest and demands by absorbing and understanding their motives, so that they may be a tributary to organized popular action that enriches the march, enhances participation, and ensures the consolidation of trust between the state with its institutions and the people."

Sixteenth: Active citizenship is more than just a right; it is a responsibility that forms the core of peaceful development, security, and stability

His Majesty the King said in an article in the World Policy Journal on September 21, 2013: "One of the most important conditions for the success of this process is citizen participation, by which is meant not merely expressing their opinions, but listening to others with respect in order to collectively reach actionable solutions for national priorities such as job creation, and enhancing energy and water sources, among others. I view active citizenship as more than just a right; it is a responsibility, as it forms the core of peaceful development, security, and stability. Furthermore, building a democratic culture based essentially on active citizenship is at the heart of the new Jordanian initiative 'Democracy' aimed at supporting civil society, especially young leaders and activists in local communities."

Seventeenth: What we want from popular participation is for intentions to be sincere toward the homeland, to preserve national constants, and to defend them

His Majesty the King said in the Speech from the Throne at the opening of the first ordinary session of the 15th Parliament on December 2, 2007: "When speaking of political reform, the first thing we want to emphasize is the importance of working to instill awareness of democratic culture and develop partisan life, to enable the Jordanian citizen to genuinely participate in decision-making, provided that intentions are sincere toward the nation, preserving and defending national constants, rather than being a tool for external agendas. This requires entrenching the principles of justice, equality, and equal opportunities based on competence and achievement, deepening these principles and concepts in our national culture, and moving them from the framework of rhetoric and slogans to the reality of work, away from skepticism and scoring points."

Eighteenth: Popular participation contributes to building the aspired future

His Majesty the King said in the Speech from the Throne at the opening of the first ordinary session of the 16th Parliament on November 28, 2010: "In the name of God, and with His blessing, we open the first session of the 16th Parliament, reaffirming our commitment to the constitutional requirement of our democratic march, our keenness on popular participation in decision-making, and building the aspired future that befits the ambitions of our people, their great sacrifices, and their right to a free, dignified life and a model homeland in strength, progress, and prosperity."

Professor of Civil Law / Faculty of Law, University of Jordan

Former Minister and Senator