Colombo (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Following a request by the Election Commission of Sri Lanka, the European Union has chosen to deploy an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Sri Lanka to monitor the Presidential Election scheduled for 21 September 2024.
The EU has a long history of attending electoral processes in Sri Lanka and has deployed EOMs on six occurrences, the last in 2019, reflecting the EU’s commitment and cooperation with the country. The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, has designated Nacho Sánchez Amor, a MEP, as Chief Observer.
The High Representative said: “The deployment of the Election Observation Mission in Sri Lanka this year demonstrates our long-standing commitment to sustaining credible, transparent, inclusive and peaceable elections in the country. For the EU, attending the election is a way to support the Sri Lankan people and their efforts to maintain democratic institutions, in line with our multidimensional and sustainable cooperation with the country”.
The Chief Observer said: “I am praised for leading the EU EOM to Sri Lanka. The upcoming presidential election will give a new impetus to democracy following to the 2022 political and economic situation. This election is important for Sri Lanka to resume making progress on its path of reforms and lasting healing, in full respect of democratic values”.
The EU EOM is deployed at the express invitation of the host nation and is led by a Chief Observer. It is comprised of various groups of observers. The Core Team consists of a Deputy Chief Observer and nine election professionals who will arrive in Colombo on 13 August 2024. Later in August, 26 long-term observers will join the task and be deployed across the country to follow the election campaign. Thereafter, 32 short-term observers will support the mission on election week, also deployed throughout the country. The EU EOM will remain in the nation until the completion of the electoral process.
In line with the EU methodology on election compliance, the mission will administer a preliminary statement and hold a press meeting in Colombo after the election. A final report, including suggestions for future electoral processes, will be presented and transmitted to national authorities and stakeholders after the finalisation of the entire electoral process.
