September 17, Colombo (LNW): International election observers, who have arrived in Sri Lanka to oversee the upcoming Presidential election, are set to meet with the Election Commission of Sri Lanka today (17).
This significant discussion is scheduled to take place at the Election Commission premises, marking the first formal interaction between the observers and the Commission ahead of the election.
Key participants in this meeting include representatives from the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) and the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG).
Both organisations have a history of promoting democratic processes and ensuring electoral integrity across Asia and the Commonwealth countries.
Their presence is seen as a crucial step in guaranteeing a transparent and fair electoral process in Sri Lanka.
Today’s meeting is part of a broader schedule for the international observers. Following the discussion, they are expected to visit various districts throughout the country to monitor the electoral activities.
Their monitoring will extend to different regions, offering a comprehensive view of the electoral process and ensuring adherence to democratic principles.
Meanwhile, local election watchdog, the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), has stressed the importance of maintaining peace and order as the election date approaches.
Rohana Hettiarachchi, Executive Director of PAFFREL, called on the public to remain calm and not be swayed by misleading reports or rumours circulating during this critical period.
He emphasised the necessity of a peaceful environment to facilitate a smooth and fair voting process, urging all stakeholders to act responsibly.
With the final week of the election period underway, the engagement of both international observers and local monitoring groups underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in this electoral process.
The joint efforts of the Election Commission, international observers, and local organisations aim to ensure that the upcoming Presidential election is conducted in a manner that upholds democratic values and reflects the will of the people.
