EU observers for internationally monitored elections in LTTE controlled areas
[March 8, 2006 - 10.30 GMT ]

Presenting the Final Report of the European Union Observation Mission for the Presidential Election 2005, its Head John Cushnahan told representatives of the media today (08) that compared to the previous elections the 2005 Presidential election was conducted in a much improved environment.  However, in areas which the LTTE either controlled or exercised influence, there was little tangible evidence to show that an election process had actually taken place, he added.

“If future elections in LTTE controlled areas are to be held in accordance with internationally recognized principles for genuine democratic elections, they will have to be administered and supervised by an international body ….Obviously such a body could only be invited into Sri Lanka if both parties to the peace process were in agreement,” he noted.

Observing that the Final Report has re-stated earlier recommendations of the EU Election Monitoring Mission (EUEOM) because most of them have not yet been implemented Cushnahan warned that this situation may endanger relations with the EU as there are many more countries that seek EU assistance for personnel and missions.

While EUEOM recommendations remain essential ingredients or strengthening the electoral process, he was of the opinion that more radical measures were necessary to transform the situation in the North and East.

Cushnahan reiterated the call for full implementation of the 17^th Amendment without further procrastination.  He also called for improvements to the legal framework with regard to several areas including complaints and appeals procedure, rights of migrant workers, transparency regards campaign expenditure. In the opinion of the Mission the law on annulling election results lacks clarity and needs overhauling, he said.

Referring to the Supreme Court Interim Order of 9^th November 2005 Cushnahan said that it introduced “de facto” discriminatory measures against voters in LTTE controlled areas and should be brought in line with international standards for universal and equal suffrage.

The Final Report of the Mission also mentions that the voter registration process contains fundamental deficiencies that need to be addressed urgently. Cushnahan paid tribute to the Election Commissioner and his staff who performed their duties professionally and impartially.

Referring to the media the EOM calls for an Independent Authority with a clear mandate to establish guidelines for all media, state and private, which could apply at all times and not simply during an election campaign. These guidelines while guaranteeing fairness should not interfere with editorial independence, the Report noted.

Cushnahan also paid tribute to the voters of Sri Lanka whose turnout at all elections was around 80 percent,  in contrast to the high apathy shown by voters in developed countries. Therefore, the Sri Lankan voters need to be assisted, he added.

Answering questions from the media Cushnahan refused to comment on whether the LTTE induced boycott in the North favoured the Prime Minister at the Presidential Election as it was something he could not and was not empowered to comment on.

As regards the call for a re-poll in the North and East, Cushnahan said the Elections Commissioner in consultation with all political partied decided not to call a re-poll. Had the Commissioner called for a re-poll the EUEOM would have endorsed it, he said

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Last Updated Date: March 8, 2006 -10.30 GMT