The History of the Jordanian Parliament from 1923 to 1946
Political Environment
The independence of the Emirate of Transjordan was recognized following arduous negotiations between the founding King Abdullah I (then Prince) and Britain, resulting in Britain's acknowledgment of a national government in the Emirate of Transjordan. The first Jordanian government was formed on April 11, 1921, and was named the Council of Advisors.
Based on this foundation, the Basic Law of the Emirate of Transjordan was enacted on April 16, 1928, granting Transjordan constitutional legitimacy to manage the country's affairs. Consequently, an electoral law was established and published on June 17, 1928, for the election of the first Legislative Council. During the Emirate period (1923-1946), five legislative councils were elected, with the first one being elected in 1929.
Legislative Authority Under the 1928 Basic Law
Legislative Councils
Political Environment
Since the inception of the Jordanian state, real efforts began to establish a representative parliament for the country. Prince Abdullah made significant efforts to build a modern state in Jordan based on constitutional principles. In 1923, he formed a committee representing all regions of Jordan to draft a law for the parliamentary council and elections. Additionally, he formed another committee of scholars and legislators to draft the Basic Law (constitution) in January 1923.
Thus, the conditions became suitable for holding parliamentary elections, especially after the British government issued a statement on May 25, 1923, expressing its intent and willingness to recognize Jordan's independence and organize a treaty between the two parties in this regard.
Nevertheless, parliamentary elections were not held until after 1928 due to Britain's delay in signing the treaty with Jordan, which was a key requirement for passing the constitution. The constitution was essential for completing the parliamentary electoral process. After the signing of the Jordanian-British treaty on February 20, 1928, parliamentary life began to take shape in Jordan. During the first period of Jordan's history (1928-1947), five legislative councils were elected.
The Legislative Council
The Basic Law of 1928 adopted a unicameral system, consisting of 16 elected deputies in accordance with the electoral law, as well as the Prime Minister and six members of the Council of Ministers. The members of the Council of Ministers had the right to vote in the Legislative Council.
Composition of the Legislative Council
The Legislative Council consisted of elected members according to the electoral law, which had to ensure fair representation of minorities, as well as the Prime Minister and other members of the Council of Ministers who were not elected representatives.
Presidency of the Legislative Council
The Prime Minister chaired all meetings of the Legislative Council when present. In his absence, he appointed a non-elected member to chair the meeting. If no appointment was made, the meeting would be chaired by the highest-ranking non-elected member of the Legislative Council.
Duration of the Council
The term of the Legislative Council is three years, but it may be extended up to five years by a special or temporary law. This extension is limited to the existing Legislative Council at the time the special or temporary law is enacted.
Council Meetings
The Legislative Council convenes for its regular session on the first day of November each year. The council also meets at any time when summoned by His Highness the Prince for an extraordinary session. The regular session lasts for three months, which may be extended or postponed by His Highness the Prince according to the Basic Law and the internal regulations.
Legal Quorum of the Council
Decisions of the Legislative Council are made by a majority of the attending members, excluding the president, unless the Basic Law requires a two-thirds majority of the council members. In case of a tie, the president must cast the deciding vote.
Functions of the Legislative Council
- Legislative Function: The powers of the Legislative Council are limited to approving bills submitted by the Executive Council and proposing bills by the council members. If the council approves any bill, it does not become law unless accepted by the prince, signed by him, and published in the official gazette. The prince's power to approve is absolute; if the prince refuses to approve any bill passed by the council, it does not become effective.
- Supervisory Function: The supervisory powers of the Legislative Council were limited to government policy and matters related to public administration. The council had the right to direct questions, accept complaints and statements from citizens, and request discussions. However, the council’s supervisory powers did not extend to interrogations or votes of confidence in the government, nor did it have authority over international treaties and agreements, or the granting of concessions related to the exploitation of the country's natural resources.
01The First Legislative Council
President of the Council - Hassan Khalid Abu al-Huda
President of the Council - Hassan Khalid Abu al-Huda
Duration of the Council
The election for the first Legislative Council was held at different times across various electoral districts. Elections in some districts took place on February 18, 1929, and the council convened on April 2, 1929, continuing until February 9, 1931, when it was dissolved due to its disapproval of the budget annex..
Members of the Council
Elected Members
Aqla Al-Mohammad Al-Nusayr.
Alaa Al-Din Touqan, who was appointed Director of Antiquities on October 17, 1929, and resigned, with Mr. Nazmi Abdul Hadi elected as his replacement on November 14, 1929.
Non-Elected Members
The first Legislative Council was elected under the government of Mr. Hassan Khalid Abu al-Huda. The following non-elected members were included in the Legislative Council:
Hassan Khalid Abu al-Huda.
During the term of the first Legislative Council, a new government was formed under the leadership of Mr. Hassan Khalid Abu al-Huda on October 17, 1929. Its members were included as members of the first Legislative Council as follows:
Hassan Khalid Abu al-Huda.
02The Second Legislative Council
The presidency of this council was held by Abdullah Siraj and Ibrahim Hashim.
The presidency of this council was held by Abdullah Siraj and Ibrahim Hashim.
Duration of the Council
Members of the second Legislative Council were elected on June 10, 1931, and it continued until June 10, 1934, completing its constitutional term.
Members of the Council
Elected Members
Non-Elected Members
The second Legislative Council was elected under the government of Mr. Abdullah Siraj, which was formed on February 22, 1931, and lasted until October 18, 1933. Its members were included in the Legislative Council as non-elected members as follows:
During the term of the second Legislative Council, a new government was formed under Ibrahim Hashim on October 18, 1933. Its members joined the second Legislative Council as follows:
03The Third Legislative Council
President of the Council - Ibrahim Hashim.
President of the Council - Ibrahim Hashim.
Duration of the Council
Members of the third Legislative Council were elected on October 16, 1934, and it continued until October 16, 1937, completing its constitutional term.
Members of the Council
Elected Members
Non-Elected Members
The third Legislative Council was elected under the government of Mr. Ibrahim Hashim, which was formed on October 18, 1933, and lasted until its resignation on September 27, 1938. Its members were included in the third Legislative Council as non-elected members as follows:
04The Fourth Legislative Council
President of the Council - Ibrahim Hashim and Tawfiq Abu al-Huda held the presidency of the Fourth Legislative Council.
President of the Council - Ibrahim Hashim and Tawfiq Abu al-Huda held the presidency of the Fourth Legislative Council.
Duration of the Council
Members of the Fourth Legislative Council were elected on October 16, 1937, and it continued until October 16, 1940, completing its constitutional term. Its term was extended by two additional years, ending on October 16, 1942.
Members of the Council
Elected Members
Abdullah Al-Klaib (appointed as a governor on August 2, 1941, and replaced by Muhammad Al-Saad)
Shawkat Hamid (appointed as a governor on September 6, 1941, and replaced by Omar Hikmat).
Non-Elected Members
The Fourth Legislative Council was elected under the government of Mr. Ibrahim Hashim, and its members were included as non-elected members as follows:
During the term of the Fourth Legislative Council, four new governments were formed, all led by Tawfiq Abu al-Huda. Their members joined the Fourth Legislative Council as non-elected members. These governments were:
First Government (September 28, 1938 - August 6, 1939)
Second Government (August 6, 1939 - September 24, 1940)
Note: Mr. Abdul Mahdi Al-Shumaila was appointed Minister of Trade and Agriculture after the death of Abdullah Al-Nimer on March 9, 1940.
Third Government (September 25, 1940 - July 27, 1941)
Fourth Government (July 29, 1941 - May 18, 1943)
Abdullah Klyb Al-Sharida.
Note: Minister of Trade and Agriculture Abdullah Pasha Klyb resigned and was replaced by Minister of Finance and Economy Nuqula Bey Ghnama as Minister of Trade and Agriculture. Shukri Pasha Shaasha was appointed Minister of Finance and Economy on November 18, 1942.
Mr. Aref Al-Anabtawe was appointed on December 7, 1942, after the resignation of Mr. Samir Pasha Al-Rifa’i.
05The Fifth Legislative Council
President of the Council - Tawfiq Abu al-Huda held the presidency of the Fifth Legislative Council, Samir Al-Rifai, and Ibrahim Hashim.
President of the Council - Tawfiq Abu al-Huda held the presidency of the Fifth Legislative Council, Samir Al-Rifai, and Ibrahim Hashim.
Duration of the Council
Members of the Fifth Legislative Council were elected on October 20, 1942, and it continued until October 20, 1945, completing its constitutional term. Its term was then extended by an additional two years, ending on October 20, 1947.
Members of the Council
Elected Members
Rafeefan Al-Majali (deceased on January 24, 1945; replaced by Ma'arik Al-Majali on September 1, 1945).
Majid Al-Adwan (deceased on June 2, 1946; replaced by Naufan Al-Saud on September 16, 1946).
Non-Elected Members
The Fifth Legislative Council was elected under the government of Mr. Tawfiq Abu al-Huda, and its members were included as non-elected members as follows:
Abdullah Klyb Al-Sharida.
During the term of the Fifth Legislative Council, four new governments were formed, and their members joined the council as non-elected members. These governments were:
First Government (May 9, 1943 - October 14, 1944)
Note: Minister Shukri Pasha Shaasha resigned from the Ministry of Finance and Economy, and Samir Pasha Al-Rifa’i took over both the Ministry of Finance and Economy and the Ministry of Justice. Muhammad Pasha Al-Insi was appointed Minister of Interior and Education on October 30, 1943.
A ministerial reshuffle occurred on July 13, 1944, resulting in the following:
Removal of Minister of Communications Abdul Rahman Bey Rashidat.
Appointment of Said Bey Al-Mufti as Minister of Communications.
Muhammad Pasha Al-Insi continued as Minister of Interior and Justice.
Ahmad Alawi Al-Suqaf took over the judiciary and Ministry of Education.
Second Government (October 15, 1944 - May 18, 1945)
Third Government (May 19, 1945 - February 1, 1947)
Fourth Government (February 4, 1947 - December 27, 1947)
Muhammad Al-Amin Al-Shinqiti.