Memo: Joint Statement by the High Representative Catherine Ashton and Commissioner Štefan Füle on the parliamentary elections in Jordan

Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission and Štefan Füle, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, made the following statement:

“We welcome the peaceful conduct of the legislative elections in Jordan and congratulate the Jordanian people for exercising their civic rights.

These elections are an important part of the political reforms initiated by Jordan in 2011 and of an on-going process aiming to improve representation, governance and democratic accountability.

An EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM), led by MEP David Martin, has observed the electoral process. The mission will release its initial statement shortly. The EU EOM will provide at a later stage a comprehensive analysis of the elections and a set of recommendations, which can serve as a reference point for future electoral reforms.

The EU will continue to assist Jordan including through measures and initiatives supporting the strengthening of democracy and the rule of law.

We also encourage the Jordanian authorities to continue reaching out to all political and social groups while continuing to engage in the political and economic reform process.”