On Friday 30 August, the European Union launched an election observation mission for the presidential elections in Sri Lanka, which will take place on 21 September.
The mission began on 14 August with the arrival of a core team of 10 election experts, and was completed on 29 August by a team of 26 long-term observers in Sri Lanka’s 9 provinces.
“The European Union deploys less than ten election observation missions per year”, said Chief Observer and MEP Nacho Sánchez Amor (S&D, Spanish).
“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”, he continued.
The EU’s mission is guided by the principles of independence, impartiality and non-interference. Mr Sánchez Amor believes that it is important for the election to take place “in a peaceful, transparent and inclusive manner”.
Two days after the elections, the mission will issue a preliminary statement and hold a press conference in Colombo. A full final report will then be published approximately two months after the electoral process is complete. This will include recommendations for future electoral reform. (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)