For the last several weeks, Jordanians have discussed their own government and society in Twitter under the hashtag #ReformJo. The hashtag has provided an opportunity not just to criticize Jordan's government, but to provide suggestions to improve Jordan, from anti-smoking measures to educational reform to amending Jordan's constitution.
[1]Anti-government demonstrations in Jordan over price increases. Photo by nader daoud, copyright Demotix (21/01/2011).
Inspired by the Tunisian and Egyptian revolutions, the Twitter community has been resolute in the need for reform within Jordan's monarchy.
Ali Dahmash advocated [2] personal action:
By the way #ReformJo includes every one of us, by loving our neighbor, driving properly, not throwing things from the car, caring about #Jo
Others focused on combating corruption. Jawad Abbasi asked [3] for laws requiring public officials to disclose personal financial information prior to taking office:
@PrincessPetra81 #Reformjo any public official who wants his net worth and finances to be private, should not assume a public position. Easy
Facade al-Fasad tweeted [4]:
cut down on independent commissions, seize assets from biggest corruption cases, budget deficit solved with a extra change #reformjo
Ahed Al-Adwan agreed [5]:
Corruption in all forms, must be dealt with harshly, corrupted people must be undermined, boycotted and not praised in any way. #reformjo
Others centered their discussions on equality between Jordanians of Jordanian and Palestinian origin, and between genders. Ali Abu-Nimah wrote [6]:
It would be much healthier for #JO to engage in serious, rapid #ReformJO than to stage contests about who is loyal and who is not.
Nasma Bar recommended [7]:
No more “Aslak falasteeni wila urdoni?” we are all Jordanian. #reformjo
Fida Taher added [8]:
Jordanian women (like myself) should be able to give their children the Jordanian nationality #reformjo
Still others, like Nader Idkeidek, recommended [9] reform to Jordan's state-run media JordanTV:
1st step to #ReformJO is to #ReformJTV, mayb whole pub med. Is it me or we are all skipping JTV, and listening only to Wakeel in the morning
Zein al-Fawwaz agreed [10]:
If we are talking about reform can we please start with Jordanian media? JTV! #reformjo
Bilal Mahmoud was one of many to suggest [11] economic initiative:
Let's all support local businesses, buy made in jordan, fly rj and buy directly from farmers… #reformjo #jo #jordanian #Jordan
Michael Nazzal tweeted [12]:
#Sustainable #tourism provides #Jordanians in their towns and villages with an income from #handcrafts…#Jordan.#reformjo
Hamzeh Nassif wants [13] to see a focus on renewable energy:
Make #Jo a center for excellence in solar energy, see this proposal: http://www.manbaralrai.com/?q=node/96490 #ReformJO #Jo
Sheren joined [14] many calling for education reform:
Considering “TEACHING” as a profession and not a job will improve the outcome of the eduaction system. #ReformJO #education
Many focused on increasing citizen participation in governance processes. Hussam Soudani wrote [15]:
Enhance public participation in the decision making process and strengthening the role of the civil society institutions. #reformjo
Tareq Abu-Lughod tweeted [16]:
Since our taxes pay for most of Government spending, we'd like to approve, at least monitor Government spending. #ReformJo
Many demanded a new election law that would correct district gerrymandering, currently skewed to favor rural areas that are traditionally loyal to loyalist parliamentary candidates. Mahmoud Lattouf wrote [17]:
#ReformJo: A just and representative election law taking and allowing the establishment of real political parties
Suleiman Bakhit wrote [18]:
@samihtoukan @myUrdon @AhedAladwan Only issue is speed. We all agree root of all #reformjo is a progressive elections law
Ali Abu-Nimah added [19]:
Return to 1952 constitution (democratic parliamentary regime with constitutional monarchy) emerges as #ReformJO issue http://t.co/bz2jkuO
Discussions of reform in Jordan continue on Twitter at #reformJo, and also at ReformJo's newly-launched website [20].