Jordan’s Political Dilemma: The Fate of the Islamic Action Front Party Amid Growing Tensions
As the Jordanian government takes drastic steps to combat illegal activities linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, questions mount over the future of its political arm, the Islamic Action Front.
Watan-There is increasing speculation in Jordan about the fate of the Islamic Action Front Party and whether authorities will move toward dissolving it, after Jordan’s Minister of the Interior, Mazen Al-Farayya, announced on Wednesday, two days ago, that the government would immediately enforce the law against the dissolved Muslim Brotherhood group, declaring it illegal and banning all of its activities. Any activity linked to it would be considered unlawful and subject to legal accountability.
Joining the group was also prohibited, along with promoting its ideas, under threat of legal consequences. Additionally, any offices or premises used by the group, even if shared with other entities, would be shut down. The government has warned political parties, media outlets, civil society organizations, and others from engaging with or promoting the group’s ideas, especially considering the strong link between the dissolved group and the party.
These measures came after the Jordanian intelligence services revealed on April 15 that they had arrested a cell allegedly involved in plans to manufacture rockets, possess explosives, carry firearms, and hide a missile ready for use, along with a project to create drones.
The Islamic Action Front Party’s Activities and Legal Standing
Despite statements by the Secretary-General of the Islamic Action Front, Wael Al-Saqqa, following the Minister’s announcement, asserting that the party operates in full accordance with Jordanian law and has no ties to any group threatening Jordan’s security, doubts over the party’s survival continue to grow.
In a heated parliamentary session last Monday, several lawmakers called for legal action against the Muslim Brotherhood and the Islamic Action Front Party, including its dissolution, following intelligence reports of foiled plots to destabilize national security and incite chaos within the country. They added that the Islamic Action Front, being the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood, should also be held accountable and its members’ parliamentary membership frozen.
Khaleed Shniqat: The Party’s Legal Status
Khaleed Shniqat, President of the Jordanian Political Science Association, explained in an interview with “Al-Arabi Al-Jadid” that despite the government’s position, the Islamic Action Front is legally registered and subject to Jordan’s political party laws. The party is monitored by the Independent Election Commission, and its members are publicly known. Shniqat added that the party, while legally recognized, faces the challenge of distancing itself from the Muslim Brotherhood, given the many members of the party who also belong to the Brotherhood.
Two Paths for the Party
According to Shniqat, the party faces two options: either it complies with the government’s new regulations and separates itself from the Brotherhood, or it risks being pursued and dissolved. However, he notes that the separation may be difficult given the deep-rooted connections between the two entities.
A Critical Juncture in Jordan’s Political Landscape
Jordanian political analyst Amer Al-Sbayleh described the situation as a pivotal moment in Jordan’s history, with the government taking steps to ban the Brotherhood’s activities and prevent membership. He noted that, if convicted, members of the party involved in illegal activities could face the dissolution of the party, and the government may take further actions that could affect members in parliament.
Nabil Ghishan: Legal Implications of Party Dissolution
Former Jordanian MP Nabil Ghishan emphasized that the dissolution of the Islamic Action Front can only happen by a court ruling, in accordance with Article 36 of the Political Parties Law. This would follow a conviction of crimes such as inciting armed demonstrations, undermining the constitution, or supporting extremist or terrorist organizations. Ghishan also pointed out that the party could face dissolution if its members are found guilty of these offenses.
