The European Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Jordan released its final report today on Jordan’s 10 September 2024 Parliamentary Elections, offering 18 recommendations aimed at bolstering the country’s ongoing electoral reforms within the country’s broader political modernisation efforts.

The election campaign, which lasted five weeks, was largely characterised by active participation from a diverse range of lists and candidates. Freedom of assembly was generally respected. However, the mission raised concerns about ambiguity in the laws around campaigning on election day, particularly in media and social media. The EU EOM also commended the successful integration of new election technology, which facilitated the fast publication of results.

With the aim of contributing to the improvement of future elections, the EU EOM offers 18 recommendations for consideration by the Jordanian authorities, including seven priority recommendations: (1) strengthen voter education at community levels and involve District Election Committees in its implementation; (2) consistently implement campaign regulations; (3) enhance transparency in campaign finance and strengthen IEC oversight; (4) decriminalise defamation to safeguard freedom of expression; (5) amend the Cybercrime Law to align it with international human rights commitments; (6) improve access to voting for persons with disabilities; and (7) ensure observers’ unhindered access to all stages of the electoral process.

Upon the invitation of the Independent Elections Commission of Jordan, the EU EOM carried out its work between 28 July and 29 September 2024. The mission deployed across the country more than 120 observers from all EU Member States, as well as from Canada, Norway and Switzerland.