Following an invitation from the Election Commission of Sri Lanka, the European Union has decided to deploy an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Sri Lanka to observe the presidential election scheduled for 21 September 2024. The EU has a long history of supporting electoral processes in the country. Sri Lanka has deployed EOMs on six occasions, most recently in 2019, reflecting the EU’s commitment and partnership 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 appointed Nacho Sánchez Amor MEP as Chief Observer.
The High Representative said: “The deployment of the Election Observation Mission to Sri Lanka this year confirms our long-standing commitment to supporting credible, transparent, inclusive and peaceful elections in the country. For the EU, observing the elections is a way of supporting the Sri Lankan people and their efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, in line with our multidimensional and enduring partnership with the country.”
The Chief Observer said: “It is an honour for me to lead the EU EOM in Sri Lanka. The upcoming presidential election will give a new impetus to democracy after the political and economic crisis of 2022. These elections are important for Sri Lanka to continue moving forward on the path of reforms and sustainable recovery, in full respect of democratic values.
Background
The EU EOM is deployed upon express invitation from the host country and is headed by a Chief Observer. It is composed of different groups of observers. The core team is composed of a Deputy Chief Observer and nine electoral experts who will arrive in Colombo on 13 August 2024. Later in August, 26 long-term observers will join the mission and will be deployed across the country to monitor the electoral campaign. Subsequently, 32 short-term observers will reinforce the mission during election week, also deployed throughout the country. The EU EOM will remain in the country until the completion of the electoral process.
In line with the EU methodology for election observation, the mission will issue a preliminary statement and hold a press conference in Colombo after the elections. A final report, including recommendations for future electoral processes, will be presented and shared with national authorities and stakeholders after the finalisation of the entire electoral process.
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