The European Union has chosen to send an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Sri Lanka in response to an invitation from the country’s Election Commission in order to watch the country’s presidential election, which is set for September 21, 2024. With the most recent deployment occurring in 2019, the EU has a long history of supporting Sri Lankan electoral processes. This demonstrates the EU’s commitment to and partnership with the nation.Josep Borrell, the Vice-President of the European Commission and High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has named European Parliament Member Nacho Sánchez Amor as Chief Observer.
“EU to send a mission to Sri Lanka to monitor the presidential election”
“The Election Observation Mission’s deployment in Sri Lanka this year validates our long-standing commitment to supporting credible, transparent, inclusive, and peaceful elections in the nation,” the High Representative said. In keeping with our multifaceted and long-term partnership with Sri Lanka, the EU is supporting the people of Sri Lanka and their efforts to fortify democratic institutions by watching the election.”It gives me great pleasure to lead the EU EOM to Sri Lanka,” said the Chief Observer. The upcoming presidential election is expected to provide fresh momentum to democracy in the wake of the political and economic crisis of 2022. It is crucial that this election be held in order for Sri Lanka to keep moving forward with its reforms and long-term recovery while upholding democratic principles.
Background
Under the direct invitation of the host nation, the EU EOM is deployed under the direction of a Chief Observer. It is made up of various observational groups. A Deputy Chief Observer and nine election specialists make up the Core Team, which is scheduled to arrive in Colombo on August 13, 2024. Twenty-six long-term observers will join the mission later in August and will be stationed throughout the nation to monitor the election campaign. Following that, 32 temporary observers will be stationed across the nation during election week to further strengthen the mission. The EU EOM will be present in the nation until the elections are over.
Following the election, the mission will hold a press conference in Colombo and issue a preliminary statement in accordance with the EU’s election observation methodology. Following the completion of the electoral process, national authorities and stakeholders will receive a final report that includes recommendations for future electoral processes.
Source: European Times
