The Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) has released its final report on Sri Lanka's September 2024 presidential election. The Sri Lankan government officially received the report following its parliamentary election on November 14.
The COG, led by former President of Seychelles, HE Danny Faure, and 14 other eminent people from across the Commonwealth, provided immediate, medium-term, and long-term recommendations to contribute to the strengthening of electoral processes in the country.
Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, noted Sri Lanka's progress and urged action on the COG’s recommendations.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General said:
“I thank the Commonwealth Observer Group for its diligence and commitment to improving the process and culture of democracy in Sri Lanka. The fact that the 2019 observer group made a recommendation to enact campaign finance legislation, which was enacted before the 2024 presidential election, is a positive sign.
“Looking ahead, the 2024 observers have made some important recommendations, and I encourage the government of Sri Lanka to review them and take them forward. The Commonwealth Secretariat will remain available to support this process as part of our holistic approach to elections.”
The final report applauds the Election Commission of Sri Lanka's performance, noting increased trust and stakeholder satisfaction with its competence, particularly when compared to previous elections. Special recognition was also given to the police, polling officials, and civil society, including Verite Research and Hashtag Generation, for their vital role in fact-checking and debunking misinformation - a pervasive issue, especially in this global year of elections.
Some shortcomings were also cited in the report, such as the use of state-owned assets and resources, as well as concerns about the Online Safety Act. The report recommends collaboration between the government, media, and civil society to ensure free online expression for all Sri Lankans.
According to the latest data, women constituted 52 per cent of Sri Lanka's population and 56 per cent of voters - yet no women were among the 38 presidential candidates. The report urges political parties to strengthen women's participation, noting that there were female representatives elected to parliament and a 25 per cent quota for local authorities.
The COG’s report, which was drafted in-country, finalised and approved by the Chairperson and observers in the weeks following their departure from Sri Lanka. The document provides a comprehensive assessment of the entire electoral process – before, during and after the polls. The report builds on the initial findings of the preliminary statement , which was issued two days after the presidential election.
Read the Commonwealth Observer Group’s final report
Media contact
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Temitope Kalejaiye, Public Relations and Engagement Officer, Commonwealth Secretariat
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