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Polls observers begin work to build voter confidence
View(s):By Renishka Fernando
With the announcement of the presidential election nominations and polling day, election monitors, both local and foreign, will continue their work over the next eight weeks.
They have prepared, and in some cases, started their work.
The Election Commission has planned to bring in international observers as it did for the 2019 election.
A team from the European Union visited Sri Lanka a few weeks back and has had talks with the EC.
The Commonwealth and the Asian Network for Free Election, too, had requested to be allowed as election observers. The Commonwealth group is in Sri Lanka and having discussions with the EC and other stakeholders.
IDRES Executive Director Manjula Gajanayake. Pix by Akila Jayewardena
“We plan to invite the usual election observers such as the Association of Asian Election Authorities and the Forum of the Election Management Bodies of South Asia — a group of election monitoring countries,” said R M A L Ratnayake, the chairman of the Election Commission.
Two rounds of discussions with local election monitoring groups have been held. However, there is no final decision on who will be allowed. Mr Ratnayake said that local monitors will have specific areas.
Some election monitoring groups would be allowed inside polling stations while others will be allowed to have mobile patrols. However, election monitoring groups will not be allowed inside counting centres, only party agents would be given access.
“One of our main objectives is to have an all inclusive electoral process,” said Rohana Hettiarachchi, the executive director of the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL).
He noted that the people’s will must be reflected in the outcome of the election. PAFFREL’s work is not limited only to election monitoring, it also trains agents, works with the media, monitors hate speech, and misinformation and disinformation. There is monitoring pre and post election.
He also stressed that monitors’ role goes beyond making reports and recommendations and that they are also concerned and working towards preventing the repetition of incidents of voter intimidation and fraud.
Mr Hettiarachchi remarked that although they work in coordination with the EC and the government, there is no support in terms of finances or resources. They are entirely dependent on donors. PAFFREL has already written and submitted proposals and have received some funds.
“Different donors have different interests like voter education, raising awareness, election monitoring, but ultimately they mobilise for our demands.”
Stressing the importance of election observers, he said that it is vital to build the confidence of voters, political parties and candidates.
PAFFREL has made initial observations over the past few months. Monitoring will formally begin on Monday.
“There is a serious concern regarding potential violence in the upcoming election. One incident has already been reported in Dambulla,” said Mr Hettiarachchi.
PAFFREL Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi
An increase in hate speech, misinformation and disinformation is another potential challenge for monitoring groups. There is also the possibility that Artificial Intelligence will be used.
“A lot of uncertainty is prevalent because the executive is heavily involved in this process and as a result everyone is on the fence,” said Manjula Gajanayake, the executive director of the Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies.
Mr Gajanyake said this is a decisive election for several reasons. This is the first election held under the newly-appointed EC and function under the Campaign Finance Laws which passed in January last year.
“There is a systematic misuse of public funds for campaign purposes,” he noted. Thus the campaign finance laws will be essential in keeping track of the income and expenditure of political parties.
PAFFREL is working with other stakeholders to devise a mechanism through which Sri Lankans can keep track of the finances of political parties.
Mr Gajanayake emphasised the influential role that social media will play in this election, when hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation will proliferate. Sri Lanka is not well equipped to handle such situations.
He raised concerns regarding the Online Safety Bill and how it would curtail the people’s ability to exercise their freedom of expression. The Cabinet has granted approval to gazette and table the revised OSB.
Mr Gajanayake said his fears are regarding the appointments to the Online Safety Commission by the President. “This comes at an extremely dangerous time, just as we are preparing for elections.”
Mr Hettiarachchi said discussions had been held with international monitoring groups to organise pre-election briefings for monitors. This includes a booklet of basic information. He said there is strong communication and coordination among local and international monitors.
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