120 EU observers deployed across Jordan on Election Day

"The European Union Election Observation Mission deployed this morning 120 observers in all governorates of Jordan.By 8 am,they reported visiting 51 polling stations, and they continue their observation throughout the day, they will also observe the closing, counting and aggregation processes" said Chief Observer Željana Zovko during a press point while observing at Queen Rania School polling centre in Amman."In the 51 polling stations visited for the opening,our observers overwhelmingly rated the opening process as good or very good.They report a calm and professional atmosphere. Opening procedures were followed in the vast majority of polling stations. Almost all the polling stations where the EU observers were present opened on time with minor exceptions. Essential election material was available in the observed polling stations" the Chief Observer explained. "I note that our observers have reported campaign activities inside and outside some of the visited polling centres" she added.

"Let me stress that it is too early to make an overall assessment. The voting is still ongoing. The counting has not started yet, more reports will be sent by our observers in the following hours" Ms. Zovko explained. "EU observers are visiting polling stations in both rural and urban areas. The mission is receiving regular updates throughout the day, and will follow the tabulation until its completion" she stressed.

The EU EOM will issue its preliminary statement on 12 September at 12:00 pm, at a press conference at the Sheraton Hotel, 5^th Circle, Amman. This statement will be based on the mission's findings and will cover all aspects of the electoral process, including the legal framework, the campaign, the media and social media environment, the participation of women, youth, religious groups and traditional communities. The statement will be published online and available to the Jordanian people.

"The preliminary statement will be based on data collected during our long-term observation. Over the last five weeks, our mission has met with 884 interlocutors, including 337 representatives of the election administration, 235 contestants on national and local lists, around 200 representatives of civil society and the media, all across the country. They have all provided us with valuable insights on various aspects of the 2024 electoral process. We also attended 121 campaign events." the Chief Observer added.

The EU Election Observation Mission to Jordan comprises 120observers, coming from the 27 EU member states, and Canada, Norway and Switzerland. It includes a delegation of seven members of the European Parliament and 32 diplomats accredited in Amman. The EU was invited to observe these elections by the Independent Election Commission of Jordan. It has been present in Jordan since 29 July 2024. The mission will remain in country until the end of September, to follow the announcement of results and other post-election developments. The mission will issue a detailed final report approximately two months after its departure.