Engineer Musa Al-Maitah, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Independent Election Commission, emphasised the crucial nature of youth participation in political life generally and in elections specifically. He asserted that young people constitute a fundamental pillar in the path of political reform and serve as a tool for positive change, thereby benefiting their community and nation. This, he noted, is congruent with the vision of the Jordanian state and His Majesty the King’s directive to broaden the base of political engagement.
These remarks were made during the inauguration of the ordinary session of the Student Parliament Union Council at Middle East University, attended by Dr. Yacoub Nasereddin, Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees; Professor Salam Al-Mahadin, President of the University; Dr. Hazem Al-Nsour, Dean of Student Affairs; and Mr. Ous Qtaishat, Director of the Partnership Project at the commission.
Mr. Al-Maitah further underscored the role of universities in firmly establishing the values of democratic participation. He described them as genuine environments for cultivating promising leaders and as a sphere for acquiring experience, fostering a culture of dialogue and respect for differing viewpoints, and exercising roles of oversight and accountability.
In his address, Dr. Yacoub Nasereddin, Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees, affirmed the university’s strong commitment to advancing the democratic process and student political participation, viewing students as foundational to development and reform and as future leaders. He indicated that this initiative presents an advanced model for the concept of democracy by activating the role of youth as influential elements capable of contributing effectively to decision-making and building the future of Jordan.
Moreover, Dr. Nasereddin added that the inauguration of the Parliament Union’s ordinary session, in the presence of the IEC Chairman, embodies a sophisticated illustration of true democracy in its finest form. He stressed the imperative of translating the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II and the Crown Prince into action by supporting and empowering young people, as they represent the bedrock of development, reform, and investment in the future.
Dr. Al-Nsour likewise asserted that the Student Parliament Union is not merely an organisational framework but a ‘school’ for democratic practice and the responsible exchange of opinions. He drew attention to the significant responsibility of youth in the Student Parliament, urging them to continue the work of their predecessors in relaying the voice of the students.
The gathering included a collective oath-taking ceremony for the members of the Student Parliament Union Council before the University President, followed by an extensive dialogue with the Parliament members. The members expressed their appreciation for the university’s efforts in encouraging the parliament’s role and affirmed the necessity of concerted efforts to deliver the best services to the student body.
By taking this significant step, Middle East University is setting an essential and illustrious paradigm for cultivating prospective leaders and instilling a culture of democracy and collective action within its student body.