SL gearing up for election in 2024: UK

• The UK Govt. urges South Asian countries to end harassment and intimidation of civil society, media, and opposition parties

By Sunil Jayasiri  

Sri Lanka is among the South Asian countries gearing up for  elections at different levels in 2024, alongside India, Pakistan,  Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Maldives, the UK government said.  

In response to a written question in UK Parliament about the  South Asian countries elections, Anne-Marie Trevelyan Minister of State  (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) stated that India,  Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Maldives are all expected to  hold elections at different levels in 2024.   

“The UK believes transparent, democratic governance is in  the interests of all people and the long-term stability of every nation.  We raise the importance of free and fair elections in our discussions  with South Asian governments, and with opposition parties and others,” the Minister of State stated.   

“We press for an end to harassment and intimidation of  civil society, media and opposition parties. Ministers and HMG officials  visiting the region, regularly convey that respect for the rule of law  and access to justice are essential in open democracies,” she added.