IEC chairman emphasises importance of election monitoring for Integrity, success

AMMAN — Independent Election Commission (IEC) Chairman Musa Maaytah on Monday stressed the importance of election monitoring as a support and enhancement for the commission's work. 

During a meeting with accredited monitoring bodies for the oversight of the 20th Lower House elections at the IEC headquarters, Maaytah said that the participation of local observers in monitoring the elections is a "guarantee" of the integrity of the electoral process and a "fundamental" factor in its success, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

He noted that the commission was keen to open the accreditation process the day after the Royal decree was issued to hold the elections, in accordance with executive instructions, to allow monitoring bodies to observe all aspects of the electoral process. 

The chairman added that the executive instructions for accrediting local observers for the 2023 electoral process were discussed to grant observers the highest degrees of integrity and freedom and to enable them to conduct objective monitoring. 

Maaytah stressed the importance of monitoring electoral campaigns and combating electoral bribery, adding that the commission will not hesitate to apply the law to anyone who attempts to buy votes.

He highlighted the significance of the commission adhering to the timeframes stipulated in the law, pointing out that the IEC is open to any suggestions that could improve any aspect of the electoral process, especially those from monitoring institutions.

Regarding electoral violence, Maaytah highlighted that all must confront electoral violence against women because it limits women's political participation in political parties and elections.

He said that the IEC will implement a comprehensive awareness campaign for all stages of the electoral process and will launch a guide for candidates on the commission’s website, to inform them of the requirements and necessary documents to ensure they reach the nomination day with the fewest possible errors.