• Int’l organisations including EU forward requests

The Election Commission (EC) is to accommodate requests made by several international organisations such as the European Union (EU) to observe the upcoming elections including the Presidential Election, in a timely manner.

Local election monitoring body, the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections, had recently requested the EC in writing to urgently make necessary arrangements to invite a delegation of election observers representing the international community.

When contacted by The Daily Morning, EC Chairperson R.M.A.L. Rathnayake said that several international organisations such as the EU had recently met him, and had expressed their willingness to observe the upcoming elections, particularly the Presidential Election. 

“A delegation from the EU and representatives of several other organisations met with us recently and handed over formal letters expressing their interest in coming as observers. They informed me that they would like to be informed once the election schedule is confirmed,” he said.

He further said that requests received from several such organisations prompted them (EC) to plan a structured communication process with them. “We've taken the necessary measures to manage these requests. We’ve sent letters to those who reached out to us, letting them know that when the election date is announced, they will be informed in due time with formal notices.” While the exact timing of the elections is yet to be determined, he estimated that the country is “six to seven months away” from the polls.

Since its inception, the EC has played a significant role in ensuring a fair and transparent election process. Among its key responsibilities are voter registration, processing nominations, managing logistics, and election monitoring. It usually invites both domestic and international observers to monitor the electoral process, with regard to elections, particularly the Presidential and Parliamentary elections.