Jordan Daily – The European Union (EU) has announced the deployment of an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Jordan, set to observe the parliamentary elections scheduled for 10 September. This decision follows an invitation from the Jordanian authorities, the EU said in a statement.
Ms. Željana Zovko, a Member of the European Parliament, has been appointed as Chief Observer by EU High Representative Josep Borrell. The EU has a history of election observation in Jordan, with missions in 2013, 2016, an Election Follow-up Mission in 2018, and an Election Expert Mission in 2020.
High Representative Borrell emphasized the EU’s commitment to supporting transparent and peaceful elections in Jordan, stating, “The deployment of this Election Observation Mission confirms our long-standing commitment to supporting competitive, transparent and peaceful parliamentary elections in Jordan and is a further expression of our tangible support to Jordan’s political modernisation process. The EU EOM will provide an independent, evidence-based assessment of the electoral process. The EU is a close partner of Jordan and is committed to continue our support to democratic governance, and to an indispensable partner of the EU in the region.”
Ms. Zovko expressed her honor at leading the mission, noting the significance of these elections as the first since Jordan’s Political Modernisation Process began in 2021. “I look forward to meeting and engaging with representatives of state institutions, traditional authorities, political parties and candidates, civil society organisations, in particular women, youth representatives, media and others that are playing important roles in ensuring a credible, peaceful, transparent and inclusive electoral process,” she said.
The EU EOM will consist of several observer groups. The Core Team, comprising 11 election experts, arrived in Amman on 28 July 2024. They will be joined by 28 long-term observers on 5 August, who will be deployed across the country to monitor the election campaign. An additional 38 short-term observers will reinforce the mission on election day, ensuring comprehensive coverage throughout the country. The mission will remain in Jordan until the electoral process is fully completed.
Following the elections, the mission will issue a preliminary statement and hold a press conference in Amman. A final report, including recommendations for future electoral processes, will be presented and shared with stakeholders after the conclusion of the electoral process.
