A Royal Decree was issued on Wednesday requesting Parliament to convene for an extraordinary session as of next Sunday.

The decree listed 26 pieces of legislation the legislature is expected to debate during the summer session, some of which are part of a political reform package.

In his speech to the nation on the Independence Day, His Majesty King Abdullah said: “I have directed the government to cooperate with Parliament to pass a legislation package related to political development.” He also cited as of critical importance legislation related to the protection of children and women's rights, the facilitation of public gatherings and the enhancement of the role and independence of charitable organisations and other civil society institutions.