Jordan

NIMD works to strengthen democracy in Jordan by supporting political Dialogue and strengthening the political leadership and participation of aspiring youth, political  parties, institutions, in order to build a more inclusive and representative political system.

At NIMD, we believe that fostering political dialogue and empowering youth participation are key to strengthening democracy. Since 2017, we have held seven cohorts of the Jordan School of Politics (SoP), equipping young political activists with the skills and networks needed to engage in political processes. In 2024, SoP alumni took the lead in organizing the first-ever Alumni Forum, bringing together 150 young participants and 13 high-level guest speakers representing state institutions and political parties.

The impact of SoP is evident: four alumni were selected as youth representatives in the Royal Committee for Modernizing the Political System, while nine are actively contributing to the Jordanian House of Representatives’ Parliamentary Partnership Programme, offering direct support to MPs. Additionally, SoP participants have influenced key political discussions by engaging with committee members, presenting proposals—many of which were discussed and adopted.

To further support youth participation, we have launched initiatives such as the Political Parties Strategic Planning Programme with the Politics and Society Institute and the Muwazana Project with Partners Jordan to build the capacity of political parties in public budget analysis. Our partnership with Alhayat Center (RASED) led to the development of the Voter Compass application, providing voter advice ahead of the 2024 parliamentary elections.

Dialogue is at the heart of our approach. Between 2019 and 2024, we held 22 national-level political dinner dialogues, bringing together young people, politicians, officials, and civil society organizations to discuss democratic issues. In 2024, we launched the Political Parties Dialogue Forum on Public Budget, fostering collaboration between political actors.

By fostering dialogue, building capacity, and supporting advocacy, NIMD continues to empower the next generation of Jordanian political leaders, ensuring their voices are heard in shaping the country’s democratic future.

In Jordan, gradual democratic reforms began in 1989, gaining momentum following the Arab Spring in 2011 and leading to multiple political reform cycles. The most recent was the Royal Committee for Modernising the Political System, which concluded its recommendations in 2022. These recommendations were adopted by the government and reflected in a new Political Parties Law and a new Parliamentary Election Law in 2023. As a result, political parties were required to re-register under the new law, leading to the registration of 38 political parties before the parliamentary election held in September 2024.

Of the 38 registered political parties, 37 participated in the 2024 parliamentary election, resulting in 10 political parties securing representation in parliament, with a total of 109 out of 138 seats—equivalent to 79% of MPs in the House of Representatives—an unprecedented milestone in Jordan’s history.

Despite the extremely challenging regional context, Jordan has successfully advanced its Political Modernisation efforts. This ongoing process will continue through the 2028 parliamentary election, ultimately reaching its final stage as outlined in the recommendations of the Royal Committee for Modernising the Political System by the 2032 parliamentary election.

NIMD’s programme in Jordan is dedicated to fostering democracy by equipping young leaders with the skills and networks needed to engage in political processes. Through our initiatives, we provide democratic education, facilitate interparty dialogue, and support the development of democratic institutions.

We believe that open and inclusive dialogue is essential for a thriving democracy. Our interparty dialogue platforms bring together political actors from across the spectrum to build trust and collaborate on political reforms. In addition, we provide strategic training and resources to state institutions, enhancing their ability to uphold democratic principles.

By empowering young leaders, fostering dialogue, and supporting institutions, NIMD is strengthening Jordan’s democratic landscape and ensuring that politics remains open, transparent, and inclusive.