AMMAN - Citizens will now be able to play a greater role in the decision-making process in the Kingdom with the help of a new guide to political life in Jordan launched last week.
The "Guide to Political Life in Jordan 2007-2011", published by the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) foundation in cooperation with the Centre for Strategic Studies and written by researcher Ahmad Awad, is designed to give residents an all-encompassing look at civil society and political institutions and their functions.
Trade unions, professional associations and charitable societies are listed in the guide, along with ministries, public offices and parliamentarians.
In addition to listing addresses and mission statements for cultural, political, economic and social institutions, the guide provides a comprehensive list of deputies and senators, including their contact information and stated political goals for the next four years, providing citizens with their representatives' political agendas.
According to FES resident representative Michael Broning, Jordan isn't the only country that could use such a comprehensive political guide.
"The guide makes sense not only for Jordan, but in places like Germany as well. Lack of knowledge and difficulties in accessing decision makers is general problem that affects countries across the world," Broning told The Jordan Times on Sunday.
Encouraging further interaction between leaders and citizens is key to enhancing the Kingdom's political development, according to Broning.
"When you talk about democracy, participation is important. You must provide the electorate with the means of connecting to decision makers, in order to get participation," he added.
The publication's Arabic version was launched last Thursday with an English version expected later this month.
Both publications are free of charge upon request at the FES office in Amman.
Friedrich Ebert Stiftung is a political foundation linked to the German Social Democratic Party, which seeks to promote dialogue between decision makers in the region and abroad.
FES activities in the Middle East take place under the umbrella of a cooperation agreement between the organisation and the Arab League, carried out through FES offices across the region.
By Taylor Luck
© Jordan Times 2008
