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Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - In response to an invitation by the Jordanian authorities, the European Union (EU) will deploy an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Jordan to observe the Parliamentary elections which are scheduled for 20 September 2016. This will be the second time that the European Union observes elections in Jordan – the previous mission took place in 2013 – and which reflects the EU's sustained commitment to supporting credible, transparent and inclusive elections in the country.

Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, appointed as Chief Observer of the EOM Mr. Jo Leinen, Member of the European Parliament.

The High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini stated: "Jordan's determination to pursue political and electoral reform, despite the many challenges the country faces sets a very positive example for the rest of the region. The decision to deploy the EOM is more proof of our full support to the country's reform efforts and to a transparent, credible and peaceful process. These elections will further strengthen democratic governance in Jordan. I am confident that the EOM, under the leadership of Mr. Leinen, will make an important contribution to the electoral process".

Upon his appointment, Mr. Leinen declared "I look forward to taking on my task as Chief Observer for the EOM to Jordan. The EOM will provide an independent and impartial assessment of the elections. The EOM will closely follow all stages of the elections, including the campaign and will work in a transparent and cooperative manner with all Jordanian stakeholders".

The EOM Core Team of 9 election experts will arrive in Amman on 13 August 2016 and will stay in the country until the completion of the election process. They will be joined by 26 long-term observers one week later and by 40 short-term observers who will be deployed across the country approximately one week before the election. A delegation of the European Parliament and EU diplomats resident in Jordan will reinforce the mission on the Election Day. The EOM will also liaise with other international and domestic observation missions present in the country.

The EOM will issue a Preliminary Statement on 22 September 2016 and a Final Report with recommendations at a later stage.

EU EOMs aim to contribute to enhancing the transparency of electoral processes and respect for fundamental freedoms, in line with the EU's support for efforts to reinforce democratic processes across the globe. Since 2000, around 150 election observation missions have been deployed by the EU worldwide.