“The 10 September parliamentary elections represent an important test for the democratic development of Jordan. The European Union has accompanied the Jordanian people in this process since the 2013 elections. I trust that state authorities, political parties and all candidates will play their part in promoting a credible, peaceful, transparent and inclusive electoral process”, said Chief Observer Ms. Željana Zovko, a Member of the European Parliament, during a press conference that concluded her 5-day first visit to Jordan.
The Independent Election Commission invited the EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to observe the elections in Jordan. The Mission, consisting of a team of 10 analysts, arrived in Amman on 28 July. Their mandate is to observe all aspects of the process and assess whether the elections comply with the Jordanian constitution and laws and Jordan’s international commitments related to democratic elections.
“We have already deployed since 16 August 28 long-term observers in all 12 governorates of Jordan. The Mission observes and analyses the whole electoral process, including the legal framework, electoral administration, voter and candidate registration, the campaign environment, including the media and social media, voting, counting and tabulation of the results, as well as the complaints and appeals process”, said the Chief Observer. “We will stay in the country until the completion of the electoral process,” she added.
Ms. Zovko has met various stakeholders in Amman, including the Independent Elections Commission, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Minister of Interior, candidates, and representatives of civil society and the media.
The Chief Observer stated, “I had several meetings this week in Amman to understand election preparations. Our long-term observers are preparing evidence-based reports, and around election day, 38 short-term observers will join the EU EOM, making a total of around 100 observers on the ground. All EU EOM observers adhere to a code of conduct that mandates strict impartiality and non-interference. The EU EOM will issue its initial findings in a preliminary statement at a press conference two days after Election Day and present a Final Report with recommendations for improvement at a later stage.”
