The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a constitutional monarchy that has played a pivotal role in much of the Middle East's turmoil, including the Arab-Israeli conflict and the U.S. war in Iraq. The death of King Hussein — Jordan's long-time ruler and strongman in the region — in 1999, brought King Abdullah II to power. King Abdullah's many pledges for democratic reform led people both in and out of Jordan to believe that the country was on a path to greater democracy, increased government transparency and more opportunities for citizens to engage meaningfully in political life.

The last decade has shown modest signs of progress in Jordan. The country has held parliamentary and municipal elections at regular intervals. The participation of women as voters, activists, candidates and elected officials has grown dramatically. The capacity of Jordanian civil society organizations to advocate for more transparent and representative government institutions and policies has increased. In the 2007 elections, for example, civil society organizations led the country's first nonpartisan domestic election observation effort. The elections also witnessed an unprecedented number of women candidates, the election of the first woman member of parliament that wasn't mandated by a quota, a breakdown of traditional tribal politics and active youth participation.

Still, many significant challenges continue to hinder true democratic reform in Jordan. The 2007 elections revealed many of these challenges, such as a weak showing by political parties, a rise in the role of money in elections, and a general unwillingness by the government to address voting irregularities. The Jordanian parliament also remains a body comprised of individuals with tribal and business affiliations, rather than a venue for parties to debate issues and represent citizen interest. Laws governing elections, political and civic associations, and freedom of the press continue to limit the opportunities and activities of democrats and activists.

Building on modest progress and in response to ongoing challenges, NDI is working to help establish representative and sustainable political systems and institutions that are truly participatory, open, and trusted by the Jordanian people. NDI engages a diverse group of individuals and institutions in its programs and maintains a strong network of local partners in the country. The Institute's programs aim to strengthen the role of political parties, encourage transparency and accountability in parliament, support grassroots organizations and activists to empower citizens, and promote greater political participation by women and youth.

Women's Political Participation

Political Parties

Parliament

Civil Society

Regional Cooperation

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