Polls monitors from FEMBOSA here to preserve democracy
Following an invitation sent to them by the Elections Department, a group of 30 observers from the Forum of the Election Management Bodies of South Asia (FEMBOSA) arrived in the country would soon begin their election monitoring duties.
The Head of the group, representing eight SAARC countries as well as South Korea and the Maldives, a former Elections Commissioner, Mohamed Ibrahim, assured that they would do their best to make sure that the upcoming General Election is free and fair.
Speaking at a media briefing held yesterday in Colombo, he said the observers would begin their duties from today (14) and cover as many districts as possible and would alert the Elections Commissioner of any violations of the elections code if and when they take place..
He explained that he and his team were brought down to engage in monitoring activities in the days leading up to the election, the day of the election itself and the aftermath.
Mr. Ibrahim said that their final report on the conduct of elections would be handed over to the Elections Department after the
We will probably remain in Sri Lankan until August 21. But, if the process is longer than expected, some of us might stay here till the election related activities are completed
completion of the electoral process. He said their representatives would be deployed for the forthcoming poll to ensure that democracy prevails. “We will probably remain in Sri Lankan until August 21. But, if the process is longer than expected, some of us might stay here till the election related activities are completed,” he said.
The group said though they had invited all the political parties for a discussion with them yesterday (13), only a few party representatives were present including the United National Party (UNP), Sri Lanka Mahajana Party (SLMP), Janasetha Peramuna and Citizens’ Front.
During the discussion, several issues, that could be construed as allegations, had been raised by the party members present. But, he said since they had no evidence to back their views, the allegations could not be investigated.