Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
In response to an invitation from the Jordanian authorities, the European Union has decided to deploy an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Jordan to monitor the parliamentary elections on 10 September. According to a European statement issued in Brussels, the EU High Representative Josep Borrell has appointed Ms. Zeljana Zovko, Member of the European Parliament, as lead observer. The EU has previously deployed election observation missions to Jordan in 2013 and 2016, an election follow-up mission in 2018, and an election expert mission in 2020.
The High Representative stated: “The deployment of this EOM confirms our long-standing commitment to supporting competitive, transparent and peaceful parliamentary elections in Jordan and is a further expression of our concrete support for Jordan’s political modernization process. The EU EOM will provide an independent, evidence-based assessment of the electoral process. “The EU is a close partner of Jordan and committed to continuing our support for democratic governance, and an indispensable partner for the EU in the region,” said Ms Zeljana Zovko, Chief Observer. “I am honoured to lead the EU Election Observation Mission to Jordan. The upcoming parliamentary elections will be another crucial moment in the country’s democratic trajectory, being the first elections after the launch of the political modernization process that began in 2021. I look forward to meeting and interacting with representatives of state institutions, traditional authorities, political parties, candidates, civil society organizations, especially women, youth representatives, the media and others who play important roles in ensuring a credible, peaceful, transparent and inclusive electoral process.”
The EU EOM consists of different groups of observers. The core team consists of 11 electoral experts who arrived in Amman on 28 July 2024. On 5 August, 28 long-term observers will join the mission and will be deployed across the country to follow the electoral campaign. Thereafter, 38 short-term observers will reinforce the mission on election day and will also be deployed across the country. The EU EOM will remain in the country until the electoral process is complete.
In line with the EU’s methodology for 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 completion of the entire electoral process.