The upcoming local elections in Jordan, due to take place at the governorate level for the first time, are the first step towards establishing a broader decentralisation system in the kingdom, the Jordan Times reported Tuesday (May 9th).
The purpose of the local elections is to enhance citizens’ participation in decision making outside the capital, allowing each governorate to identify its priorities and needs, and follow up on the implementation of development projects, Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs Musa Maaytah said.
In a recent interview with the Jordan Times, Maaytah noted that local councils, which will be elected on August 15th, do not enjoy any executive authority, as their role is advisory and focused on development, not politics.
The executive councils in governorates, headed by governors, serve as local governments, according to the law, and their performance is monitored by the local councils.
