General Survey Concerning Issues About Jordan

This survey was conducted using a specialized survey platform. The focus was active Jordanian Twitter users, and was conducted anonymously*. Almost 40% of all active #JO users answered the questionnaire which make up an adequate sample for a successful survey. The survey contained 10 questions, and users were asked to submit their own opinion* anonymously*.

In this post, the results will are presented, and all relevant user comments are also included.

Q1. My answer: YES

Why?

1. It is a Constitutional Right.

2. There is a need to initiate the change, to start it, not make it.

3. If I don't vote, Parliament Members will be chosen on my behalf.




User Comments on Q1:

1. Because it based on tribal bias
2. I don't feel my vote will make much of a difference and tribal and ancestral influence still plays a large role. Plus I can't really find the time to register. 
3. Do not believe in any of the contestants 
4. I don't care 
5. Because it is a system that is designed to have only one outcome - an outcome that supports the state's agenda and one that does not contribute to the development of democracy. 
6. Because I do not feel that I should participate in a failed democratic system. The majority of Jordanians have not been truly educated to what democracy is, let alone how to be part of it. 
7. I support the call for boycott since the new law is disappointing and no one was held accountable for 2007 fiasco. I like however one particular candidate and I'll do my best to get him elected. 
8. A responsibility towards my country 
9. Makes no difference 
10. Whats the point. No useful parliament will be elected. The cabinet will do as it pleases. A perfectly functioning parliament will take ages to undo the damage already made in the past year. And disbanding any elected organization seems to be extremely easy. 
11. I dont care or even believe in it 
12. No one deserves to be elected. 
13. I have the right, I might as well exercise it. 
14. Because parliament doesn't help society, it lives in isolation and wastes our tax money 
15. Because i'm against the current election law
16. To show that i can be politically represented 
17. Because its fake! And no one in the Parliament really deserves to be there! 
18. A hope 4 a better parliament. 
19. لا يوجد تأثير و مراقبة لأداء الحكومة يجب أن يكون هناك نظام ملكي دستوري بحكومة منتخبة 
20. I do not know any one beside I can hear no one promoting or have a serious agenda of Jordan's future. We live in a serious area and we need strong, well educated and people with knowledge to take serious decisions to protect Jordan and take us beyond the services which I am personally sick of hearing it at every Parliament session, adding a new water, electricity, repairing streets and all of these demands which are not the responsibility or our Parliament. 
21. I believe the educational caliber and social status of participating individuals does not suite me. Plus, the hassle to vote does not represent jordan, more like sudan! 
22. Because I believe in working for change from within. 
23. Voted since 1989 and the result are more disappointing every time I do. 
24. Because the government won't let me since I am a second class Jordanian (i.e. an expatriate)! 
25. Same faces, no effective plans, same routine will be in the parliament 
26. Don't see it's important or serious 
27. Unfair structure of electorate circles misrepresents Amman 
28. Vote or not, the parliament are xxx who want the red passport, and power to get to things they never had (more "wasta" and getting more under the table deals with big companies that run governmental projects with dirty corrupt ministers in the background). 
29. Because it's a constitutional right. 
30. Most (if not all) candidates are hypocrites who are only looking for the position & money that comes along with the benefits. They'd rather spend humongous amounts of money for their campaign where they could donate it or do something productive with it as they claim they will if they get elected. Actions speaks louder than words, and they failed to show otherwise or prove us wrong. 
31. I don't believe in politics and politicians. 
32. Useless parliament 
33. Because i want to have a say in my future. 

Q2. My answer: Yes, We're getting there

Why?

1. The change has already started, a new young government is the start of a new era in our history.

2. Although I do not feel any change in my standard of living, I can see the governments' attempting to initiate a change, one that may take a couple of years to manifest.

3. Our young Prime Minister is listening. Personally, I listened to the prime minister and payed attention to his agenda, and, day after day, I could see his plans being implemented just as described.

4. I noted the fact that the change would take time, this was because of the foundation work that needed to take place before any change could manifest.

5. Patience is needed, ... see we either stand up or give up, and I do not subscribe to "Giving UP" too soon, .... not yet at least.




User Comments on Q2:

1. No idea but i doubt it 
2. The no is mostly to the "enough" part
3. The "standard of living" is getting worse by time. 
4. In recent years, I've seen the city of Amman progress in many fields, including healthcare, education (mainly primary), transport and overall modernization. But I must say that progress in other cities and rural areas is not as good and needs more attention. It is also the duty of the government to maintain progression and awareness by educating the citizens. E.g. Dumping trash in the streets by locals is unacceptable. 
5. I think we need to do more, there are many who are barely living paycheck to paycheck. 
6. I'm not a negative person, but don't think only about yourself there are hundreds of jordanain parents who are dying everyday to feed and educate their children. And the prices go from high to higher
7. over-taxed, low-income citizens. nuff said. 
8. Maybe it's just me, but I have not personally felt the effect of the government on my standard of living. What I did feel is the absence of the government in areas affecting my life negatively and lowering my standard of living. Amongst these areas are driving without laws, absence of environmental awareness and the suppression of media. 
9. I'd like to think so 
10. We do not set our priorities straight in our budget and spending 
11. Raise in taxes, no health insurance, no welfare - must i really go on 
12. Focusing (and failing mind you) on the economic "situation" should not take away from other government mainstay priorities, like upholding the rule of law and fighting corruption. The government really failed on that front as well. 
13. Jordan needs more work... we are becoming one of the best countries in the middle east but we need more serious work! 
14. They forget about the basics and spend most of the money on buildings, cars and high salaries in one hand and on the other hand too many projects failed because of lack of planning or was approved for personal benefits. specially that we are facing many challenges that need the government before anyone else to know how to play its card right. for example why do we need to do a train that will cost us more than 3 billion and the profit will not even cover the expenses for more than 15 years!!! 
15. Our Government is too busy putting out so many fires that raising the Jordanian standard of living is far down the list of priorities. Moreover, I don't think the Government even knows how to go about raising our standard of living. 
16. Government should take drastic measures in education, health, and economy.. 
17. They are trying not to make it worse 
18. The government is doing enough to raise their standards of living and reduce deficit through more taxes 
19. It's doing it's best, but some things it can't control 
20. They do not care about us. Or in other words we do not have the qualified people that we need.. 
21. Quality of life should be the measure 
22. Start with roads and infrastructure, build a checklist on what needs to be done first, for example plumbing comes before road paving! 
23. They are not miracle workers. This needs time. We need to be realistic and also do our part in improving our lives. 
24. The government pretends to raise the standard of living of the poor while levying one tax after another against them and against the middle class who are the only ones who really pay income and other taxes while the rich are living on easy street. 
25. There isn't much left to do but convince our "allies" to leave us be to to sell our Uranium reserves and/or invest in them 
26. A lot of laws must be made to ensure the rights of the citizen specially who are in need not only supporting the high class 
27. The prices are raising and we still have the same level of income 
28. The government has no clear vision 
29. High taxation and high efficiency in collection of government dues contrasted with poor delivery of services specially security and market controls over quality of food in market, health services and, even the services provided by independent contractors they are unsupervised or apparently not enough diligence is being exercised to ensure that trouble free environment (or even close). The other issue is gun proliferation and my dissatisfaction with efforts to implement the rule of law across the board. 
30. Nothing seen in the education, health, financial, services, etc systems 
31. Some of the money we pay are already in the cycle of water, electricity, sewage, and general stuff, but, Taxes on taxes on taxes on taxes, and the only thing we are seeing getting newly built and Fixed in Amman is the Abdali project (a private project) where in the heck our money goes, well ask the governmental offices *not gonna name one specific* which take our money from the Ministry they belong to, and go to Lebanon under the name of "Business - Training - Trip" then they come back after 5 days of luxury in hotels and great spending, with a Certificate printed and issued from an institute there, although they didn't take any shit courses. That's were our money goes tax payers. 
32. Does raising standards of living include adding taxes on this and that? Or not taking serious action when one of the basic veggies (tomatoes) has its price as high as it's never been before? 
33. The salaries are still low and the prices of everything are getting higher by the day. The government is not enforcing laws on companies to raise salaries. 
34. I don't want to be totally negative towards the issue and pick no, i have been seeing some effort, not up to my expectations though.
35. New Government is working hard toward this and the only thing slowing it down is the inherited problems, but they are getting there. 

Q3. My answer: YES

Why?

1. I do believe that our model should be like the rest of the developed world, a free market, and free competition. However, just like many issues in Jordan, this presents a special sensitive case and should be treated so.

2. I believe the law should have been considered in two steps, the first would be canceling the automatic expiration of contracts - which would leave the tenants at the mercy of the landlord in a very sensitive time. This could be solved by having a regulatory body to evaluate rent values until the time comes to implement a second step of liberalizing the market when the time, and economical situation would be favorable.

3. Why do I think it would be a danger on national stability? Well, in these tough times, one of the most important requirements would be to stabilize the business environment, and to maintain a low level of anxiety for the people who cannot afford to move or lose their current shelter. I refer to a home as a shelter as my 8 year reminded me of the basic human needs, "air", "water", "food" and "shelter".

User Comments on Q3:

1. Personally, i do not feel threatened by the law, as most of our property is owned by the family. However, I believe the law will pave the way in developing a larger class difference leaving the country torn apart between the well-off and the poor. An example of this class difference can be seen in West and East Amman, where classes differ widely and thus attitudes and behavior. 
2. Not necessarily. depends on the on-the-ground implementation. 
3. It is only considering the best interest of one party, the landlords, total neglection of the leasing party, and very tough regulations, and constraints on the lessee 
4. it`s fair "enough" 
5. We should be like the rest of the world. 
6. Only because there are still enough descent landlords to keep things crawling along. 
7. Its simply not 
8. But more humanity should be thought of 
9. You cant just say we want to raise it or we want to cut it.. u cant have black or white in such a situation specially if it involve lots of people that some are capable while the majority cant afford to handle the high rent. 
10. Many people use this issue to keep their own interest in using others property, I believe we have a segment that will be affected badly, which we need to figure them out and help them to raise their income to get use of this low. 
11. Yes and no. Some tenants became second owners. 
12. But it is a danger to economic growth 
13. Market controls should always co-exist with free markets. They are free in so far the investors choose their investments with freedom but they should not be free to gang up on citizens who have no way of providing a single front to confront greed. 
14. If citizens are not comfortable with their roofs over their heads what will be left of the basic human needs!!! The law must take the consequences of rocketing rent fees into consideration 
15. People will be out on the street, out of business, this will cause havoc. 

Q4. My answer: "The Rent Law", "The Social Security Law"

Why?

1. I have explained my reasoning behind my concern about the rent law in the last question.

2. I believe that the social security law is flawed. The SS organization attains the bulk of it's cash from males (as females can withdraw their money at anytime), with 5.5% deducted from the worker, and 11.5% deducted from the employer, and to make things worse early retirement does not allow the worker to take any other job without going losing his retirement money, even though he/she had paid their dues.  Added to this, a full retirement has been capped to limit, which does not make any sense, since they already take 11.5% from the employer.

3. I do believe strongly that the SS is not investing wisely at all. This is a big danger to the stability of the organization.

User Comments on Q4:

1. The family law is the biggest threat to the fabric of society and greatest departure ever from Islamic sharia! 
2. The Honor Crime Law 
3. I don't think there's anything I can add. 
4. All of the above 
5. The new election law is a disappointment. Its remarkably even worst than the previous one mane on vote system. 
6. It affects my freedom/productivity directly 
7. I understand the tax law the best .. because we as a country don't have enough sorts of income so tax is a must .. but the social security law!!!! 
8. I sometimes wonder whether the legislators/regulators themselves understand the laws they draft and put into effect. 
9. Censorship in the media 
10. The civil status law 
11. Every time the gov revises a law one does not know what will emerge 
12. The whole process of passing laws is flawed. No checks and balances. Ignorant MPs. No accountability. 
13. What raises anxiety is the nationality withdrawal for nothing people can be blamed for! 
14. الأحوال الشخصية والانتخابات وكل قانون تم اقتراحه خلال فترة انعدام التمثيل البرلماني 
15. Accumulating temporary laws 
16. That a Jordanian mother cannot grant her children the Jordanian Nationality. - The Tax law? I guess it's pretty obvious. 
17. Personal Status Law 

Q5. My answer: "Health Care", "Social Security", "General Education", and " Higher Education".

Why?

1. I do believe in the right of all citizens of this country to health care. One that is affordable and maintains a high level of quality. Unfortunately, people either do not have full access, or take the "Private Insurance" option, which is good as long as you are a healthy person. Once you get ill, or have a chronic condition, the insurance companies use the yearly renewal option as a reason to raise their fees, sometimes unreasonably. It has been noted that "Private Insurance" takes a lot of burden off the government; However, without proper regulation, this could lead to unpredictable results.

2. I have explained my reasoning behind my concern about social security in the last question.

3. "Private Schools" take most of the burden off the government, however, this sector is taxed heavily, and to continue they must keep raising fees to sustain their quality, and maintain their existence. As to "Public Schools", I do not believe that neither the environment nor the curricula are properly designed, nor do I believe that the teachers are properly trained or paid. It is my belief that a proper review of this sector is required.

4. "Higher Education" is quite a mess in my own opinion. Universities continue to use spoon feeding as the main method of education, and libraries are more likely museums. No research and development is encouraged, and industry does not actively participate with this sector in any form.

User Comments on Q5

1. All of them but spacially health care
2. Honestly I am happy about all of these services, but I fear Higher Education is declining, and there is much room for progress in healthcare. Research in institutions of higher education is close to nil and this is unacceptable if regulations and academics are going to stay at a high level and gain rankings globally. Jordan still lacks a healthcare malpractice law which disencourages patients from abroad and hinders the reputation of local doctors. 
3. All of the above. 
4. Transportation is a total disaster & i'm not being negative, i'm being realistic, it seems taxi & bus drivers have no respect for the law
5. Health care non existent & medicine prices are sky high
6. Social Security is a joke, we pay a monthly fee then we get scammed at the end of our time.
7. General education: curriculum haven't changed since 1992 & as for higher education it's even worse 
8. well ... the transportation here is better than before but it need serious work .. its not up to a 2nd world country standards , and the education in general is also not up to the standard unless one studied in a private school..!! 
9. Government departments services. Its time for Jordan to get rid of the routine. we have seen this change comes to our top levels such as PMs and Ministers and we need to extend it to the lowest levels by having well educated, trained, and also have them professionals in communication skills. Can't we?
10. In Jordan, we train other countries by exporting professional services in Human Power Management and Communication skills. 
11. Nothing of the above 
12. DIESEL PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION BUSES need a major solution! 
13. General Education - 7 SAT II to get the Tawjihi equivalency? Harvard needs three! 
14. Higher Education – It’s only that most companies DO PREFER a candidate who obtained their higher degree from anywhere else but Jordan! 
15. Health Care - Public Hospitals are a complete disaster, waiting to suck money out of you in every way possible, and refuse to help if you lack the cash. "You pay then we treat" 
16. Private schools are charging an arm and a leg 

Q6. My answer: Sometimes

Why?

1. Well, as I write my answers, I find myself choosing my words carefully, as I believe that if you antagonize any authority, then a price would be paid. I do not believe that the PM or some MINISTERS or the ROYAL FAMILY have anything to do with punishing free minds, but I do believe that there are "small people" with the power to do harm. Then again, this is my opinion, but the survey speaks for itself.

User Comments on Q6

1. I feel free to talk about anything except subjects of relation to religion and prosecution because of religion. I believe this is a taboo subject in Jordan even though the state grants religious freedom to everyone and shows no discrimination. In the eyes of the majority of people however, religious talk and debate about religion is subject of large scrutiny and suspicion. 
2. Free speech is relative in jordan in the regional sense, but not always in the local sense. 
3. i7im i7im who are u guys?!! 
4. Compared to other countries were quite free. 
5. Are you joking? 
6. This is a no-no. For a reason, freedom of speech and criticism non extent & monitoring is at all time high.
7. shut up or go to jail policy 
8. Depends on what I need to say. I feel I am allowed to say whatever I want away from the red line. 
9. Ofcourse im free and i can say what ever i want but the main problem is the other people who dont understand or even try to see your point of view .. its not about the country its about some ignorant people. 
10. How can you feel free when u know that all your mobiles and the chat sessions being watched and monitored!!? If I am free to say what i want to say then don't monitor me! 
11. Everyone should feel free to say what they want to say. It's the manner in which criticism is expressed that must be cautioned. 
12. In private not in public 
13. I believe that anyone has the right to say anything, but without effecting other people by hurting them. 
14. some are above the law! Would prefer equality for everyone. Specially when it comes to government, police and politicians! 
15. All people I know tell me not to talk in politics , but I don't have any fear to shut up 
16. There is a lot more space for responsible freedom than many would like to acknowledge. 
17. This question is a lousy attempt at humor! 
18. Sometimes other party just don't want to hear and start accusing me of being against the country! 

Q7. My answer: NO way

Why?

1. I have no confidence all in our Universities to educate my child for the reasons I have mentioned earlier. I do not want my child exposed to ancient teaching methodologies. I would like my child to be a self learner, a thinker, an inventor, a free mind, and an active (as opposed to passive) member of society.  I want my child to be an initiative taker, a person who can always land of his/her feet no matter what happens. I do not believe this is encouraged here in our Universities. Please note that I am presenting a problem, the solution is there, but I am simply answering the question; And the question is clear "Do you Trust local universities to educate your children?"

User Comments on Q7

1. But not happy about it. It needs a lot of improvement. 
2. Not all of them 
3. Indeed I trust local institutes of higher education, however, I believe academics and facilities, in addition to teacher expertise is subject to severe deterioration in the years to come due to the fact that research is not promoted in any way, and methods of teaching are biased towards memory and recitation, where laboratory practical studies and research should be more of a focus if the institutes are going to maintain a high reputation and achieve global standards. Students should be encouraged to formulate their own ideas and depend on themselves for obtaining information as well as stimulating student-teacher interaction. 
4. It doesn't meet universal standards though. 
5. A defunct educational system designed to produce only one kind of citizen: an unproductive one. 
6. It is not the educational content or the curriculum that worries me. It is more of the cultural adverse effect on my children that repels me away from local educational institutions. Additionally, I despise the culture of corruption and preference to religion, race and origin (or any combination of them). 
7. Because I've seen how i turned out!!
8. Maybe i'll trust PSUT but that's it 
9. Other than the declining level of education, the lack of political life and freedom is teaching students to become more tribal. 
10. I see graduate students and don't feel they are well rounded. 
11. Yes but i prefer universities abroad .. now its not about local or international and abroad its about the way of teaching, treating students, and explenation. in most universties the doctors and the teachers have low self esteem due to lack of money and attention so they look down to student just to feel good and satisfy their shattered ego. 
12. The current state of our universities is depressing. Lack of funds, resources, quality teachers, and collaborative culture has significantly deteriorated these once respected institutions. I don't see things improving in the medium-term. 
13. Seen the difference with overseas school. We don't promote innovation, let alone the foundation to achieve it is non existent 
14. Because its run by uneducated people! 
15. Not a free space of thought. Produces conformers. 
16. Educators are not ready to educate. 
17. Not all the Universities but if I had the chance to Educate my children in a foreign Uni I will take it 
18. I graduated from uni of jordan and I don't think I turned out too bad! But there is definitely a huge difference between the mentality of Jo university grads and grads of western universities. 
19. With the problems higher education still have, but i think we still got a strong education, it's the management part that worries me 
20. They are a continuity of our society which I have seen to grow so full of social diseases
21. No concept of R&D or creative thinking
22.  Just glorified high schools not institutes of higher education 
23. Can be much more better 
24. Sometimes. 
25. Well.. it's a maybe! Depending on the university! 

Q8. My answer: Maybe

Why?

1. For educational purposes, for my children.

User Comments on Q8

1. Jordan is becoming expensive, which I realize is a worldwide issue, but at least in other countries u get a return to what you pay for (ie heath care, a better education, efficient transportation systems etc) 
2. Better education, canada. 
3. I'm not considering it right now but its not noway just no 
4. I chose "Maybe" because if I do immigrate, it will only be for a temporary time, to enhance education and chances of prosperity and reputation. I will always love my country, Jordan, deeply, and my goal will always be to return to my country and benefit it with all means possible. Countries more advanced, like the United States, may provide chances of development, education and resources which are unavailable locally, not to mention higher wages and salary opportunities. 
5. High living costs and low income in comparison 
6. In this context, immigration indicates abandoning the country because the fight is too hard. for myself, the fight is too interesting to stay away from. 
7. Because I do not see myself fitting in this country as a law-abiding citizen. It is extremely difficult to carry out tasks and progress in order to achieve personal ambition. Destination: USA/UK 
8. After all these talks about nationality for Jordanians of palestinian origin, and the economical situation, i started to think seriously of immigration, to UK, if not Canada, Austriala 
9. UAE, Europe or canada 
10. Already living in Canada 
11. To the betterment of my life, UK or Canada as I have relatives there. 
12. Better living standards & respect of citizens 
13. Better quality of life, Australia 
14. Canada, US. An effective judicial system and active replaceable government coupled with better economy is not a bad deal. 
15. Well i would never drop my jordaninan passport but everyone knows that another european passport or maybe an american passport is a bonus . its all about the benifits that include (less education fees, easy visas, easier life , ect...) but one has to keef his main passport and loyalty to our beloved country Jordan 
16. Why??!! for all the above! we are not respected here in Jordan specially if you are not belonging to a major family with lots of connection! and the law is not fair! take for example the maid law, the tax law, the publishing law. Australia, Canada. 
17. Only very recently. As I've gotten older and started thinking about a family, I have become more and more worried about Jordan's future as well as ours. 
18. Done! 
19. I love Jordan, but I hate the people who run it, and I will go to any country that has an educated population I can get too! 
20. Already immigrated once, now too old to leave 
21. The future is here in Jordan 
22. Applying for it, my family already left. Destination is non of your concern. 
23. I think if I graduate from Uni with high degree and continue the study abroad I will make it to Europe or USA ... not Gulf because I hate the weather there :P 
24. Because the minimum level of a decent life is not available! 
25. As a contingency plan. To Canada. 
26. Used to say No way ... but its a maybe now 
27. Lack of security
28. High cost of schooling
29. Chaos! 
30. Depending on my financial status 
31. Anywhere else if I ever got the chance. 
32. I'm not really comfortable here with the money situation and the intellectual freedom side. 
33. Love this country