To save precious time

A group of parliamentarians is calling for extending the term of the speaker of the Lower House of Parliament from one to two years, reportedly to save time “wasted” at the beginning of each ordinary session to elect an MP to this position.

The initiative is “still an idea”, one representative said, but it may gain momentum in view of the often bitter experience MPs had every time a new election round for the post of speaker would take place.

The election process is often acrimonious and divisive, robbing Lower House members of precious time that could be used to attend to their usually packed agenda.

Once the extension idea appeals to the majority of parliamentarians, the step to take is to amend Article 69 of the Constitution.

It is not always easy to amend the organic law of the land, but Jordan has acquired good experience, having effected constitutional amendments when they were necessary to keep pace with circumstances.

As is, Article 69 stipulates that the “Chamber of Deputies shall elect its Speaker at the beginning of each ordinary session for one calendar year, but he may be re-elected”.

If the purpose is to improve the working methods of parliamentarians, like in this case, or to respond to political changes and serve the democratisation process, as was the case a few times before, it should not be difficult to have constitutional provisions amended in due course.

There seems to be no real opposition to this proposal, so it may gain traction fast.

If it is meant to improve the work of parliamentarians, there is no reason for it not to become a constitutional regulation.