Voting and counting process transparent, peaceful and well organized : Commonwealth Observer Group

COLOMBO(News 1st) - The Commonwealth Observer Group held a media briefing today (November 19) to present their interim statement on the election process of the 2019 Presidential election. Prosper Bani, Chairperson of the Commonwealth Observer Group: "The voting and counting process was transparent, peaceful and well organized. We compliment the Election Commission for the smooth conduct of the polls and the competence demonstrated by polling officials. Notably, accredited political party agents, and civil society representatives were allowed to observe the results process, including the timely release of results within 24 hours of the close of polls, which was complemented by the dissemination of verified and official results in real-time to the media. Sri Lanka's rich cultural and religious diversity is to be celebrated and valued. We urge all political leaders to prioritize social cohesion and inclusion in future political activities. Through this election, the people of Sri Lanka, have once again demonstrated their commitment to the Commonwealth's fundamental values of democracy." The interim statement while commending the election process overall, included some recommendations for future elections. These include the need for mechanisms to regulate campaign financing and hate speech on social media. Furthermore, it recommends the need for a legal framework to regulate both private and public media. Moreover, the report stresses on the extremely low participation of women in politics, as only one of the 35 candidates was female and urged for more inclusion and encouragement of women in politics. A final report will be submitted to the Commonwealth Secretary-General and then made available to the Government of Sri Lanka and the general public. The Commonwealth Election Observer Group which arrived in the island on the 10th of November 2019 will depart on the 22nd of November.

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