​Sunday, October 24, 2021, both the University of Jordan (UJ) and the Independent Election Commission (IEC) signed a joint cooperation agreement to kick-off a joint one-year higher diploma program. 

The agreement, which was signed by UJ President Professor Nathir Obeidat and IEC Chairman Dr. Khalid Al-Kalaldeh, arranges for launching the joint Electoral Policies Higher Diploma Program within the Prince Al Hussein Bin Abdullah II School of International Studies. 

This cooperation, according to the two parts, will contribute to promoting electoral awareness, consolidating democratic standards amongst students, and building the capacities of personnel involved in the electoral process, locally, regionally, and internationally. 

Through this cooperation, the University will be responsible for the academic tracks of the program, while as the practical tracks will be held within the programs of the Electoral Training Institute at the Commission. 

Moreover, October 12^th, 2021, marked the first day of face-to-face teaching of students who were admitted to the program for the academic year 2021/2022.  

UJ President Professor Nathir Obeidat and IEC Chairman Dr. Khaled Kalaldeh met with the new students at the Commission's premises, in the presence of  the Dean of Prince Al-Hussein Bin Abdullah II School of International Studies, Professor Faisal Al-Rufou`, and the faculty members. 

A number of scholarships were allocated to political parties, concerned public institutions, and IEC staff. The awardees were selected based on specific criteria and interviews. 

It's worth mentioning that in 2018, IEC and UJ signed a cooperation agreement with the Italian Santa Anna School of Advanced Studies to benefit from its expertise in the field of election curricula.