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Polls watchers commend EC, police and people for peaceful election
View(s):By Ishu Bandara
The conduct of yesterday’s presidential election was peaceful and without any major incidents of violence or disturbances local and foreign election monitoring groups said yesterday. They commended both the Election Commission as well as security personnel for facilitating the successful conclusion of the election.
People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi told the Sunday Times that they received 108 complaints, though none was serious.
These included two reports of violence, one involving a member of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) assaulting a National People’s Power (NPP) member near Dulan Kadawala at Viharagama Primary College in Medirigiriya, Polonnaruwa. The Naula Police also arrested an individual who made death threats to an office worker at the Pubbaliya polling station in Laggala, Matale. Two other complaints were filed regarding privacy issues at voting booths in Maharagama, he said.
EU observers leaving the polling booth at St. Joseph's College, Maradana
He praised the Sri Lanka Police and the Election Commission for their commendable work during this election.
“Despite the absence of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the police acted swiftly and efficiently. The Election Commission deserves appreciation as well,” he said.
He also said that political parties, candidates, and their supporters have generally behaved well throughout the process. “The few incidents of violence that occurred were not as severe as compared to previous elections, which is a positive sign,” Mr. Hettiarchchi said.
Manjula Gajanayake, Executive Director, Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies(IRES) said the situation was calm and peaceful on election day with no major complaints regarding the polling environment.
“All proceedings have been very smooth. As IRES, we have received 32 complaints but all incidents are minor and do not impact the election results at this point.”
Commonwealth poll observers visiting the polling booth at S. Thomas Prep in Kollupitiya
One complaint was regarding the use of pens at most polling centers while there had been pencils, in a few stations in the Gampaha District.
There had also been a complaint from Meethotamulla where a voter, whose name is included in the annual voter registration list, was told by the Senior Presiding Officer at her polling station that her name was not registered.
A complaint had been lodged in this regard.
Most of the other incidents involved minor election violations.
The European Union Chief Observer, Nacho Sanchez Amor, during his visit to observe the polling station at St. Joseph’s College, Colombo said, “This is the first polling station I have visited today. There are 70 other polling stations across the country, and we have been observing every aspect of the voting process. By the end of the day, we will have a complete picture of the voting. We will be in Sri Lanka for another three weeks, monitoring the entire process . We will provide a clear overview and our recommendations for the country on Monday, ” he said.
PAFFREL poll monitors at a polling booth in Boralasgamuwa
The statement from Temitope Kalejaiye, the Public Relations and Engagement Officer of the Commonwealth Observer Group, indicated that their comprehensive overview of the Sri Lankan presidential election will be officially presented tomorrow, Monday.
“This presentation will likely provide insights into the election process, the group’s observations, and any recommendations or concerns raised during their monitoring of the presidential election of Sri Lanka 2024.”
ANFREL Executive Director Brizza Rosales, speaking to the Sunday Times commended the people of Sri Lanka for the peaceful conduct of voting. “The orderly process demonstrated the country’s commitment to democratic principles and the continued engagement of its citizens in shaping the nation’s future.”
“However, while the elections were generally peaceful, we observed certain challenges concerning accessibility at some polling stations, and some people influencing voters where they distributed a small paper with the symbol and a cross in it,” she said.
“In particular, elderly voters and persons with disabilities (PWDs) encountered physical barriers upon entering some polling centers.
These issues raised concerns about the inclusivity and accessibility of voting infrastructure,” she said.
She encouraged the relevant authorities to take these observations into account and address these gaps in future elections, ensuring that all voters, regardless of physical disabilities could exercise their right to vote freely and without hindrance.
“We remain committed to supporting efforts that strengthen the democratic process and we hope that the will of the people will reflect the election results,” she added.
Chairperson of the FEMBoSA the Election Management Bodies of South Asia countries and also the Chairperson of the Elections Commission of the Maldives Fuwad Thowfeek Lanka told the Sunday Times that he visited two counting centers in Colombo yesterday, and six polling stations in Colombo and two polling stations in Avissawella. “Everything was going well without any problems or disturbances. All the officers as well as the public were following the rules and procedures very well,” he said.
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