Amman (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – In answer to an invitation by the Jordanian authorities, the European Union has chosen to deploy an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Jordan to monitor the parliamentary elections on 10 September.
Who Has Been Appointed as Chief Observer for the EU Mission?
The EU High Representative Josep Borrell has designated Ms Željana Zovko, Member of the European Parliament, as Chief Observer. The EU previously appointed EOMs to Jordan in 2013, and 2016, an Election Follow-up Mission in 2018, as well as an Election Expert Mission in 2020.
What Is the Purpose of the EU’s Election Observation Mission to Jordan?
The High Representative said: “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 an indispensable partner of the EU in the region.”
What Role Will the EU EOM Play in Jordan’s Elections?
The Chief Observer, Ms Željana Zovko, stated: “I am honoured to direct the EU EOM to Jordan. The forthcoming Parliamentary Elections will be another descriptive moment in the country’s democratic trajectory, being the first ones following the takeoff of the Political Modernisation Process initiated in 2021. I look forward to gathering and engaging with representatives of state institutions, traditional authorities, political parties and candidates, civil society organisations, certain women, youth representatives, media and others who are recreating important roles in ensuring a reasonable, peaceful, transparent and inclusive electoral process.”
The EU EOM is comprised of different groups of observers. The Core Team includes 11 election experts who reached Amman on 28 July 2024. On 5 August, 28 long-term observers will join the assignment and be deployed across the country to observe the election campaign. Thereafter, 38 short-term observers will support the mission on election day, and also be deployed throughout the land. The EU EOM will remain in the countryside until the fulfilment of the electoral process.
What Are the Key Objectives of the EU Election Observation Mission?
In line with the EU procedure on election observation, the mission will administer a preliminary
statement and maintain a press conference in Amman after the elections. A final report, including suggestions for future electoral processes, will be given and shared with stakeholders after the finalisation of the entire electoral process.
