Security first

I always had qualms about any speedy rush into parliamentary governments in Jordan, and doubted that we were ready, or could be ready in the near future, for such an advanced form of democracy.

As His Majesty King Abdullah repeatedly said, parliamentary governments require first and foremost a sophisticated level of political parties with distinguishable political platform that are fair, reasonable and conform to international standards.

This we still don’t have, and from the looks of things, we still have a long way before they materialise.

This aside, after Parliament recently voted to give MPs lifetime pensions after only seven years of public service, any lingering doubts and reservations I had about the notion of a parliamentary government stage turned into clear opposition to the idea. 

If this latest decision by the two Chambers of Parliament is a sample of what deputies and senators are ready to do for themselves, the process needs to be put it in deep freeze until our people’s representatives show more seriousness in their decision-making process.

Regional upheavals are also a reason to put on hold this noble goal.

The rule of thumb in many nations is to declare a state of emergency when there are real threats to their national security and stability.

In other words, some political rights may be suspended until the danger dissipates.

Article 4 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights says that “in time of public emergency which threatens the life of the nation... the state parties... may take measures derogating from their obligations under the present covenant to the extent strictly required by the exigencies of the situation...”

Judging by the number of conflicts in Jordan’s own backyard, which have the potential to explode and threaten the country’s security, it would seem more prudent to postpone the introduction of parliamentary democracy until the dust settles in our region.

The Middle East is inundated with growing conflicts. This makes national security and stability Jordan’s number one priority, and not parliamentary governments!