The last 24 hours

There are only a few hours left before we reach the final round of Jordan’s elections. It will not be long before we open the ballot boxes, still loaded with confidence after exciting recent developments, which included detaining those accused of corruption and holding them to account. That dose of confidence has made Jordanians think twice: to think about active participation in the elections, but also to think enthusiastically about achieving a House of Representatives we can all be proud of, knowing that our future is in good hands – not corrupt ones. Participation is the most important thing now. No one has the right to withhold their voice, claiming it won’t make a difference. The next parliament will not be the same as the previous one – precisely because we have the chance to choose the best one in front of us. Tomorrow we have the opportunity to elect 30 reliable deputies from democratic backgrounds, as well as a popular base that cannot be underestimated. On top of these MPs we will have the ability to direct parliament towards national and democratic interests, and move the country towards real reform. Do not try to reinvent the wheel. You know very well who voted that fateful day when the government collapsed after just 40 days, despite 111 MPs voting in its favour. You know them all very well. Although they now claim in their slogans that they are going to fight corruption, these politicians are the ones who immunised corruption in parliament and voted against opening up case of it. Now, after the corruption in the phosphate case spread [with hundreds of millions of dinars being looted from the state] and after those responsible were exposed, they claim to their constituents: “We are going to fight corruption.” Most people with a conscience probably haven’t decided who they’re going to vote for yet. The remaining hours will no doubt be critical in determining the future of Jordan. Don’t underestimate the value of your vote, because it’s going to determine the future of your country. Ignore the political squabbles and bids. Those elements boycotting these elections know their stance has nothing whatsoever to do with the rejection of electoral laws [that’s only going to be amended through constitutional means, let’s not forget]. They fail to recognise that boycotting the elections will only protect figures who have already decided to participate in these elections. No one should underestimate the value of their vote, or its impact in changing the face of the House. This is going to be a real test for progress. Are we going to succeed in this test, or leave the field open for reactionary forces and old-fashioned slogans to create our future? The views expressed by the author do not necessarily represent or reflect the editorial policy of Arabstoday.