Jordan: EU Deploys Election Observation Mission for September’s vote

In response to an invitation by the Jordanian authorities, the European Union has decided to deploy an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Jordan to observe the parliamentary elections on 10 September.

The EU High Representative Josep Borrell has appointed Ms Željana Zovko, Member of the European Parliament, as Chief Observer. The EU previously deployed EOMs to Jordan in 2013, 2016, an Election Follow-up Mission in 2018, as well as an Election Expert Mission in 2020.

The High Representative stated: “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.”

The Chief Observer, Ms Željana Zovko, declared: “I am honoured to lead the EU EOM to Jordan. The forthcoming Parliamentary Elections will be another defining moment in the country’s democratic trajectory, being the first ones following the launch of the Political Modernisation Process initiated 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.”

The EU EOM is composed of different groups of observers. The Core Team consists of 11 election experts who arrived in Amman on 28 July 2024. On 5 August, 28 long-term observers will join the mission and be deployed across the country to follow the election campaign. Thereafter, 38 short-term observers will reinforce the mission on election day, also deployed throughout the country. The EU EOM will remain in the country until the completion of the electoral process.

In line with the EU methodology on election observation, the mission will issue a preliminary statement and hold a press conference in Amman after the elections. A final report, including recommendations for future electoral processes, will be presented and shared with stakeholders after the finalisation of the entire electoral process.