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Ammon News - The European Union (EU) will deploy an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Jordan in response to an invitation from Jordanian authorities to monitor the parliamentary polls scheduled for September 10.

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

"The deployment of this Election Observation Mission underscores our ongoing commitment to supporting competitive, transparent, and peaceful parliamentary elections in Jordan and highlights our support for Jordan’s political modernization process," said Borrell in a statement released by the EU Delegation in Amman.

"The EU EOM will provide an independent, evidence-based assessment of the electoral process. The EU remains a close partner of Jordan and is committed to supporting democratic governance in the region."

Chief Observer Zovko expressed her honor in leading the mission, stating, "The upcoming Parliamentary Elections mark a significant milestone in Jordan’s democratic journey, following the Political Modernization Process initiated in 2021. I am eager to engage with representatives from state institutions, political parties, civil society organizations, and the media to ensure a credible, peaceful, transparent, and inclusive electoral process."

The EU EOM will consist of multiple observer groups. The Core Team, comprising 11 election experts, arrived in Amman on July 28, 2024. They will be joined by 28 long-term observers on August 5, who will be deployed across the country to monitor the election campaign.

An additional 38 short-term observers will reinforce the mission on election day, ensuring comprehensive coverage throughout the country. The EU EOM will stay in Jordan until the electoral process is completed.

Following the EU’s 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 to stakeholders upon the conclusion of the entire electoral process. Petra