International Election Observers hopeful of a Free and Fair Election
The International Election Observers (IEO) present in the island noted that a peaceful election process throughout the island would pave the way for a free and fair election.
Besides, a peaceful post-election season is expected even after the upcoming Parliamentary elections, they added. IEOs representing 10 countries announced this at a joint Press Conference in Colombo yesterday (12).
The IEOs said that all aspects of the election process, including election campaigning, conducting the election, transportation and return of ballot boxes, counting of votes, and the post-election period, are under their observation. They also stated that the IEOs are very concerned about the behaviour of social media, mainframe media including electronic and print media. However, they were of the opinion that some problematic areas are observed regarding the use and functioning of social media during the election.
He also said that the IEOs will study the laws, regulations and ordinances related to the election will be studied on how they contribute to the conduct of a free, fair and impartial election.
They stated that the recently concluded Presidential election in Sri Lanka was very peaceful and fair and they hoped that the Parliamentary election to be held tomorrow (14) would also be very peaceful and fair.
” As a peaceful pre-election period being observed is concerned, the General Election will also be very peaceful, free and fair,” they assumed.
They also said that they are studying the complaints received regarding election violence so far. Also, the decisions taken by the relevant departments regarding these complaints are also studied.
He added that attention will be paid to the functioning of the polling stations, the voter and the candidate’s activities on election day. They also intend to monitor the election process in 10 selected Districts, such as Trincomalee, Matale, Polonnaruwa, Colombo, Matara, Nuwara Eliya, Jaffna, Badulla, Gampaha and Kalutara.
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