Former Jordanian minister and parliamentarian Mahmoud Al-Kharabsheh has called for Jordan's House of Representatives to fully exercise its constitutional oversight powers, stressing that genuine political reform and the fight against corruption cannot be achieved without effective parliamentary accountability.

Speaking to Radio Al-Balad's "Your Voice Is Heard" program, Al-Kharabsheh said the House should move beyond its legislative role and actively use the constitutional tools available to scrutinize ministers, withdraw confidence when necessary, and refer officials to the judiciary if legal violations or corruption allegations arise.

He argued that stronger parliamentary oversight would reinforce public confidence in state institutions, safeguard public funds, and demonstrate that no public official is above accountability.

Al-Kharabsheh pointed to Article 51 of Jordan's Constitution, which holds the prime minister and cabinet collectively accountable to Parliament for the government's general policies, while making each minister individually responsible for the affairs of his or her ministry.

He noted that the Constitution grants Parliament broad oversight mechanisms, including the authority under Article 54 to initiate votes of no confidence against either the entire government or individual ministers. If Parliament withdraws confidence from the cabinet by an absolute majority, the government must resign. Likewise, a minister who loses Parliament's confidence is constitutionally required to leave office.

He further highlighted Parliament's authority to initiate criminal proceedings against ministers. Under Article 56, the House of Representatives may refer ministers to the Public Prosecution Office with justified grounds, while Article 57 stipulates that a minister must be suspended from office once formally charged following such a referral. He emphasized that resignation does not shield a minister from prosecution or judicial proceedings.

According to Al-Kharabsheh, these constitutional provisions clearly establish that the executive branch is subject to parliamentary oversight. The real challenge, however, lies in the limited implementation of these powers. He questioned whether all lawmakers fully understand the constitutional authority entrusted to them or are willing to exercise it in the public interest.

He suggested that some MPs either lack sufficient awareness of their constitutional responsibilities or refrain from using these oversight tools for political or personal reasons, a situation he said weakens Parliament's role and undermines public trust.

Conflict of interest requires stricter safeguards

Commenting on the recent controversy surrounding alleged conflicts of interest involving a cabinet minister, Al-Kharabsheh said ministers must avoid any conduct that could raise questions about their integrity and must honor the constitutional oath they take upon assuming office.

He explained that while the Constitution prohibits ministers from engaging in commercial activities or acquiring state property during their tenure, it distinguishes between exploiting public office for personal gain and business activities that existed before a family member assumed ministerial office.

What is unacceptable, he said, is using a minister's position to secure government contracts, financial advantages, or preferential treatment. He called for clearer regulations governing ministers' conduct and stronger safeguards against conflicts of interest and abuse of authority.

He also questioned why the government had only recently announced plans to draft regulations defining ministers' powers, arguing that the Constitution already requires such regulatory frameworks, along with a binding code of conduct governing ministers' ethical and legal responsibilities.

Merit should determine cabinet appointments

Al-Kharabsheh criticized the process of selecting cabinet ministers, arguing that appointments should be based on competence, expertise, and professional qualifications rather than personal relationships or political connections.

He said Jordan possesses a wealth of qualified professionals across various sectors and has long contributed expertise throughout the Arab world. Recycling the same individuals through different ministries or concentrating senior positions within a limited circle, he argued, damages public confidence and weakens state institutions.

Success in one ministry, he added, does not automatically qualify an individual to lead another, particularly when specialized knowledge is required.

Dismissal alone is not accountability

Al-Kharabsheh argued that removing a minister from office should not be considered sufficient accountability if there is evidence of misconduct or abuse of power.

In some cases, he said, dismissal becomes little more than a reward if it is not followed by legal investigation and judicial review.

Anyone found to have committed corruption, abused public office, misused state resources, or violated the law should be referred to the courts, he stressed, noting that only the judiciary has the authority to determine criminal responsibility.

He also called for more effective enforcement of Jordan's financial disclosure system, proposing that officials' assets be reviewed both before assuming office and after leaving public service to detect any unjustified enrichment.

Parliament must also oversee itself

Al-Kharabsheh emphasized that parliamentary oversight should not be limited to the executive branch. Members of Parliament themselves, he said, must also be held accountable.

He noted that the Constitution prohibits lawmakers from entering into contracts with the government or public institutions during their parliamentary term, whether directly or indirectly.

Jordan's oversight institutions, including the Integrity and Anti-Corruption Commission and the Audit Bureau, should continue performing their supervisory roles, he said, but Parliament must also demonstrate institutional self-accountability.

Respect for the constitutional oath, he added, applies equally to ministers and legislators, and constitutional principles must be enforced consistently without exception.

Independent media is an essential pillar of accountability

Al-Kharabsheh described independent journalism as one of the most important mechanisms for monitoring government performance and exposing shortcomings within state institutions.

He called for an environment that enables professional media organizations to carry out their work freely and responsibly, noting that Jordan's Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and press freedom.

Professional journalism, he said, plays a vital role in identifying institutional weaknesses, strengthening transparency, and promoting accountability. Restricting independent media ultimately weakens public oversight and undermines reform efforts.

Allowing journalists to perform their watchdog role, he concluded, would improve government performance, strengthen parliamentary accountability, and help restore citizens' confidence in public institutions.