Sri Lanka Presidential Poll 2024 credible and transparent: Commonwealth Observers

By Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana and Huzefa Aliasger

Colombo, September 24 (Daily Mirror) - Stating their view on Sri Lanka Presidential Election 2024 was credible and transparent, the Commonwealth Group of Observers said more needs to be done in building knowledge and understanding of the preferential voting system as this was tested for the first time since 1982.

Leading a group of 14 independent and eminent persons drawn from across the Commonwealth, Chairperson of the Observer Group H.E. Danny Faure said yesterday that they have taken note of the fact that the second counting had already started when the announcement was made by the Election Commission of Sri Lanka (ECSL).

Chairperson Faure said this whilst responding to a question by the Daily Mirror during the press conference organised by the Commonwealth Observer Group in Colombo yesterday to announce their observations on the Presidential Poll.

Asked whether they were aware of any state of confusion that prevailed in certain sections of the society on Sunday when the ECSL decision to go for a second count prior to releasing the results of the first count, the Chairperson said the local authorities would assess this issue internally whereas they will have their own internal discussion.

“It is a question of the first time the preferential vote was tested, and we have to look at it in this context. I take note that the counting had already started when the announcement was made by the ECSL. The Election Commission was doing a very proactive role, and they will have their own internal assessment in this issue and I will have a discussion with my team internally,” Faure said.

The chief observer further commended the polling officials for giving priority to the elderly and persons with disabilities and had taken note that the tactile frame (stencils) for the visually impaired were provided at polling stations.

He also commended the ECSL for strengthening its legislative framework with the introduction of the Regulation of Elections Expenditure Act No.3 of 2023, which is a welcome development, though the commission lacks capacity to enforce this law according to the stakeholders.

“Media freedom has largely been respected, allowing the press to cover campaigns and elections without intimidation. Nevertheless, media ownership continues to shape the narrative around elections and key issues. To address this, we recommend enforcement of the media code of conduct,” Faure said.