Jordan's Election Body Orders Labor, Islamic Action Front Parties to Revise Statutes

Jordan's Independent Election Commission (IEC) has instructed the Labor Party and the Islamic Action Front to amend their fundamental statutes to comply with prevailing legal standards.

Ahmad Abu Zaid, Secretary-General of the Parties Register at the IEC, stated that all political parties were required to modify their statutes according to governance criteria. While most parties have complied, these two parties have yet to fully implement the required changes.

According to Abu Zaid, the IEC has formally notified both parties of the deficiencies and has provided them with a 60-day window to rectify the issues, in accordance with Article 33 of the law.

The IEC emphasized its commitment to applying the Parties Law fairly, ensuring equal opportunities for all parties, and safeguarding the integrity of political competition. This commitment aims to establish justice as a general principle and prevent the monopolization of symbols or the exploitation of affiliations by any single party.

Regarding the Labor Party, Abu Zaid noted that the party had accepted some amendments but refused others, particularly those concerning the powers of the party's General Secretariat to impose penalties without oversight from an independent internal tribunal. The IEC also raised concerns about the delegation of powers to an unelected executive office and the provision of financial rewards to the Secretary-General from party funds, which contravenes Article 25/A of the Parties Law.

Concerning the Islamic Action Front, Abu Zaid clarified that the issues extended beyond just the party's name, encompassing the mechanism for forming party tribunals and electing their members. The IEC insists that these tribunals be elected by the General Conference, the party's highest authority, to ensure their independence and prevent undue influence.

Other issues raised with the Islamic Action Front pertain to the handling of party funds in the event of voluntary dissolution or a court decision. The IEC pointed out that the draft statute directed funds to charitable organizations, whereas Article 7/K of the law mandates that such funds revert to the state treasury's parties fund.

Abu Zaid affirmed the IEC's openness to dialogue with all political parties to address any ambiguities or uncertainties regarding the required amendments. However, he emphasized the legal obligation of the IEC to enforce the law impartially across all political parties.

He added that the IEC is ready to discuss any points with any party, but there is a legal entitlement that the commission must proceed with to implement the provisions of the law fairly on all political parties equally.

The Independent Election Commission has addressed the Labor Party and the Islamic Action Front with the need to correct the violations contained in their statutes in compliance with the provisions of the applicable law, in accordance with the legal periods stipulated in the Parties Law.