European Union Launches Election Observation Mission to Sri Lanka

In response to an invitation by the Election Commission of Sri Lanka, the European Union has deployed an Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) for the presidential election scheduled for 21 September 2024. The EU EOM, led by Chief Observer Nacho Sánchez Amor, a Member of the European Parliament from Spain, commenced its activities on 14 August with the arrival of a core team of 10 election experts in Colombo. On 29 August the mission scaled up with the deployment of 26 long-term observers to all nine provinces of Sri Lanka.

"The European Union deploys less than ten election observation missions per year, with each one of them being a clear testament to importance we attach to the engagement with the country. By sending an election observation mission to Sri Lanka the European Union is confirming the depth and fruitfulness of our partnership and unwavering support to democratic values," said Chief Observer Nacho Sánchez Amor.

The EU EOM will observe and analyse various aspects of the electoral process such as the work of the election administration, the legal framework, the conduct of campaign, the work of media and the role of social media networks in the electoral process, as well as the overall space for political and civic participation. The EU EOM is assessing the extent to which elections are conducted in compliance with national law, as well as with the regional and international standards Sri Lanka has signed up to. This is the seventh EU EOM deployed to Sri Lanka since 2000.

"This election is crucial to fortify democratic institutions through the ballot box. Hence it will be important that the election is conducted peacefully, in a transparent and inclusive manner and that all voters and candidates retain confidence in the process and the outcome." stressed the Chief Observer Sánchez Amor.

Two days after the elections, the EU EOM will issue a preliminary statement and hold a press conference in Colombo. A comprehensive final report, which will also include recommendations for future electoral reform, will be published and presented to the authorities some two months after the completion of the electoral process.

The EU EOM is guided by three key principles - independence, impartiality and non-interference and will employ its robust and well-established methodology of long-term, nation-wide observation. All EU EOM observers are bound by a strict code of conduct and the mission carries out its work in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, endorsed under the auspices of the UN in 2005.