Misconceptions of political activism driving youths away from parties, experts say
04-13-2016
AMMAN — While 75 per cent of Jordanian families encourage their members to take part in elections, 66 per cent have fears over the political future of the country.The opinions, gauged by the National Council for Family Affairs (NCFA), are part of the 2014 Family Status Report, which also showed that 43 per cent of families encourage their daughters to join political parties, compared with 30 per cent for sons.During a roundtable discussion held by the NCFA on Monday, lawmakers, experts and representatives of political parties discussed the way Jordanians perceive parties as part of political life."Until now, political parties are not allowed to enter universities. That is why students still hold on to tribal affiliations in university elections, resulting in an overall poor political participation," said Jordanian National Commission for Women Secretary General Salma Nims.She added that the performance of successive Lower Houses has made young people reluctant to take part in elections for they are skeptical of Parliament's ability to effect change.On the other hand, Nims noted that "Jordanian women still do not have a say in electing who represents them".Faiez Al Rabei, a columnist and university professor, agreed, saying that authorities' stances on political parties have not been "positive" in the past, which in return affected their performances."The two sides have their just reasons. Political parties used to be of a religious nature without having a broader sense of the economic and social needs of people," he said.Participants also underlined the need for the authorities to stop its "patriarchal" role towards political life.They also agreed Jordanians still believe that joining a political party would pose threats to their careers and rights, adding that such misconceptions have weakened youths' motivation to be members of parties that represent their orientations.On the other hand, Political and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Yousef Shawarbeh said the new Political Parties Law seeks to empower parties to enable them to have a wider participation in the political, economic and social life of Jordan."The law enables all political, independent and even tribal powers to create coalitions that compete with others in the elections," he said.On the other hand, Rajai Muasher, deputy chair of the NCFA board of trustees, underlined the importance for families to have healthy dialogues about public affairs, which drive them to form opinions that prompt them to actively take part in political life.
