Commonwealth Observer Group cautiously optimistic of polls

Former President of Malta, Dr. George Abela, leader of the Commonwealth Observer Group that was invited to monitor Sri Lanka’s parliamentary elections, has expressed cautious optimism with regards to the conducting of a free and fair election based on the information the group has so far gathered. ‘Sri Lanka is well placed to hold a democratic election that enjoys the confidence of the people’ Dr. Abela noted, addressing a press conference in Colombo on the 12th of August, ‘we can cautiously say there has been a positive change’. The group has already met with the Commissioner of Elections, Mahinda Deshapriya as well as representatives of political parties and civil society. Though the details of these meetings remain confidential, Dr. Abela expressed positive sentiments in relation to the democratic atmosphere the group had observed. ‘It is heartening to note that there appears to be confidence in the Commissioner’s Office to manage the electoral process and that, on the whole, the campaign environment is generally conducive for a democratic election’ he said. The mandate of the observation group is to assess the pre-election period, activities on polling day and the post-election period. ‘Throughout, we will consider whether there has been a level playing field for the contesting parties, whether voters were free to express their will, and whether the election can be said to have been credible transparent and peaceful’ Dr. Abela said. The observers will be deployed in five provinces: Central Province, Northern Province, North Central Province, North Western Province and Western Province. Before the group leaves the country, they are set to compile a final report which will be sent to the Commonwealth Secretary General and then to the Government of Sri Lanka, the Office of the Commissioner of Elections, political parties, and all commonwealth governments before it is released to the public. ‘In making our observations known, our intent is to offer constructive support to further strengthen the electoral process. Where necessary, we will make recommendations to relevant authorities concerning institutional, procedural and other matters as would assist the holding of such elections in future’ Dr. Abela pointed out.