The Commonwealth Group of Observers has acknowledged the credibility and transparency of Sri Lanka’s 2024 Presidential Election but emphasized the need for a stronger public understanding of the preferential voting system. This election marked the first use of the system since 1982, testing both voters and authorities alike.
The Observer Group, chaired by H.E. Danny Faure, the former President of Seychelles, consisted of 14 independent and distinguished individuals drawn from various Commonwealth nations. During a press conference held in Colombo, Faure presented the group’s observations on the election, noting both positive aspects and areas requiring improvement. The press briefing followed the announcement by the Election Commission of Sri Lanka (ECSL) that the counting of second-preference votes had begun.
Addressing the issue of the second counting phase, Faure explained that the observers had noted the ECSL’s decision to proceed with the count before the results of the first count were announced. He acknowledged the proactive stance of the ECSL but also indicated that some sections of society had expressed confusion over the procedure. In response to a question from the Daily Mirror regarding the public’s reaction to the decision, Faure stated that both the ECSL and the Commonwealth Group would conduct internal assessments of the situation.
“The preferential voting system was tested for the first time in over four decades, and it is important to view the process in that context,” Faure remarked. He reiterated that while the ECSL acted proactively, the decision to proceed with the second count would be subject to further internal reviews by both local authorities and the Commonwealth Observer Group. Faure underscored that the ECSL would likely conduct a thorough assessment of the election process to address any concerns that emerged during the vote counting.
Faure also praised the polling officials for their dedication and organization, particularly in accommodating vulnerable voters. Special arrangements were made at polling stations to prioritize elderly individuals and those with disabilities. Moreover, the provision of tactile voting aids, such as stencils for visually impaired voters, was noted as a commendable measure that demonstrated the election officials’ commitment to inclusivity.
A significant development in the electoral process was the introduction of the Regulation of Elections Expenditure Act No. 3 of 2023, which Faure commended as a positive step toward enhancing the transparency of the election. The Act was intended to monitor and regulate the financial aspects of election campaigns, promoting a fairer political environment. However, Faure acknowledged concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the ECSL’s limited capacity to enforce the law effectively. This challenge, according to the Commonwealth Observer Group, requires attention to ensure that future elections uphold the integrity of campaign financing regulations.
Another important observation made by Faure during the press conference concerned media freedom. The Commonwealth Group found that overall, media outlets in Sri Lanka were able to report on the election without facing significant intimidation or obstruction. This freedom allowed for comprehensive coverage of the campaigns and the election process. However, Faure cautioned that media ownership continued to shape the political narrative, influencing public perception of key election issues. He highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of media codes of conduct to ensure balanced and unbiased coverage in the future.
Looking ahead, the Commonwealth Group of Observers recommended further education for the public and stakeholders regarding the preferential voting system. Faure noted that this electoral method, while effective, could be confusing for voters who are unfamiliar with the intricacies of ranking candidates according to preference. Additional efforts to raise awareness and improve voter understanding would be essential in ensuring a smoother election process in the future.
The Commonwealth Observer Group’s role in Sri Lanka’s 2024 Presidential Election reflected its ongoing commitment to promoting democratic values and practices across its member states. While commending the country for the successful conduct of the election, Faure and his team stressed that continued efforts were necessary to strengthen electoral processes, build public trust, and ensure the highest levels of transparency and accountability in the country’s democratic institutions.
While the 2024 election was largely successful, the Commonwealth Group of Observers identified several areas for improvement, particularly in relation to the preferential voting system and media regulation. Their recommendations underscore the importance of building electoral integrity and enhancing public confidence in the democratic process moving forward.
