2013
Jordan Parliamentary Elections
18
In August 2012, the Jordanian government signed off on several new amendments to the press and
publications law that press freedom advocates believe negatively affected online publications. These
amendments, which were publicized by the government as reigning in unruly and unsubstantiated
reporting online, included requirements that online media register and obtain a license from the
authorities, as well as appoint a chief editor who is a member of the Jordanian Press Association.
Under the new law, chief editors are also to be held accountable for all comments posted on their
websites, a clause which led several media sites to disable the ability for readers to comment on
stories. In addition, content is restricted for print and online press, with online journalists
disinclined to write anything negative about friendly heads of state, nor tackle subjects in a way that
might impinge upon national unity. Online media representatives questioned the timing of these
restrictive amendments, stating they were done purposefully to curtail the freedom of the online
press during the pre-election period. Due to the negative reaction from the press, the law was
suspended pending a review by the new parliament, and thus it was not in effect during the election
period.
Security
Located in the midst of a region in turmoil, Jordan’s security situation is deeply affected by external
factors. The civil war in Syria and the Israeli-Palestinian peace process give Jordan great geostrategic
relevance. Given Jordan’s delicate economic situation and its dependence on foreign assistance,
maintaining stability has become a crucial task for the King and his government, and a prime
justification, as cited earlier, for a slow approach to reform in order to maintain stability in Jordan.
Despite the high concern for security, restrictions on political life have been eased in recent years,
paving the way for the emergence of more independent unions and human rights organizations. A
major step forward was easing of the freedom of assembly in spring 2011, when the government
changed laws requiring those wanting to hold meetings in public places only to notify authorities,
rather than request permission. Accordingly, since the start of the Arab Spring, political rallies have
occurred in Jordan on a weekly basis without government obstruction.
On a domestic level, safety and security in Jordan is high, in part due to the fairly tight grip of the
police and the
Mukhabarat
. When protests following the November 2012 hike in fuel prices led to
sporadic violence across the country, the wounding of 12 policemen and the death of one person in
Irbid,
the police showed a high degree of professionalism in handling the protesters without
escalating the situation. This has generally been the case for police response to regular protests since
the start of the Arab Spring.
15
The New York Times
. “Protests over gas prices in Jordan turn deadly.” 12 November 2012.
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