Calls of post-election curfew “useless and unnecessary” - EU Chief Observer

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama

While commending the Presidential Election 2024 for following “an excellent process” European Union Election Observation Mission Chief Observer Nacho Sanchez Amor slammed the decision to impose a sudden 14-hour curfew after polling was completed as “useless and unnecessary.”

Addressing the media following their mission to Sri Lanka, Sanchez Amor appeared uncertain as to why the government imposed the curfew from 10 pm on Saturday to 6 am the next day, which was extended till 12 noon.

The same day that a state institution, the Election Commission, said that this has been the most peaceful electoral process in our history, there was a curfew. This is not matching, something is happening because how can you as a state, because the Election Commission is a state (institution), say that this is the most peaceful election in history, and suddenly without time to go anywhere we had to call our teams to go to the hotel, to me it is a useless and unnecessary curfew and not matching with the excellent behaviour of the voters.

“The government thanked the citizens for their commitment, for being educative, and for exercising their rights in a peaceful and respectful manner. However, later that evening, the government stated, “We don’t trust the mob. You must choose between being a citizen or part of a mob.” They emphasised that it is crucial for the country to recognise the gap between the exemplary behaviour of voters and the reluctance rooted in past political divisions,” he said.

The chief observer also said that the European Union Election Observation Mission will continue until mid-October. A report, including a set of recommendations for the new administration, will be issued. Additionally, there will be another event in January to discuss the excellent health of the country’s electoral system.