European Union Election Observation Mission to Jordan launched
“I thank the Jordanian authorities for inviting us to observe this important election, a fundamental step in Jordan’s reform process” Mr Leinen said at a press conference in Amman.
“It is the second time that the EU has deployed an Election Observation Mission to Jordan. As in 2013, we will neither interfere or supervise the electoral process in any way, nor seek to legitimize the results” the Chief Observer added. “This is the election of the Jordanian people. We hope to contribute to an overall credible, transparent and inclusive process with our impartial and objective assessment to be published after the election day”.
The EU Election Observation Mission arrived on 13 August in Amman with a core team of nine analysts. A second group of 26 long-term observers joined the EU EOM on 20 August and was deployed across Jordan on 24 August, after the official launch of the Mission.
Additionally, 40 short-term observers will join the EU EOM prior to the election day together with a delegation from the European Parliament. A number of locally recruited short-term observers from diplomatic representations of EU Member States in Jordan will also take part in the observation.
On the election day, the EU EOM will comprise more than 80 observers from all 28 EU Member States, Switzerland and Norway.
The EU EOM will conduct a comprehensive analysis of the electoral process based on a long-term observation, in line with domestic law as well as regional and international standards.
This analysis includes aspects such as the legal framework, the performance of the election administration, the campaign, the respect of fundamental freedoms, the conduct of the media, the voting and counting, the complaints and appeals process and the announcement of the results.
The Mission will publish its initial findings in a Preliminary Statement, which will be presented in a press conference within two days after the election day, prior to the completion of the electoral process. A Final Report will be published within two months of its completion and will include recommendations - offered for consideration to the authorities - for possible improvements of future elections.
EU observers are bound by a code of conduct which does not allow any interference in the process.
The European Union has signed two Memoranda of Understanding with the Jordanian Independent Election Commission and with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs guaranteeing freedom of movement to all EU EOM observers and access to all polling stations and relevant information.
“The EU Election Observation Mission to Jordan is independent in its findings and conclusions” Chief Observer Jo Leinen explained. “It’s independent from any EU institutions or Member State and is committed to remaining neutral and abiding by the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, the Code of Conduct for international observers and the Jordanian laws”.
By deploying the Mission, the EU has reaffirmed its commitment to Jordan’s political reforms, further democratization and stability.
"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 EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini stated on 5 August, while appointing Mr Leinen as Chief Observer.
“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” Mogherini added. “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".