As daylight broke over polling stations for Sri Lanka's presidential election in September, observers from across the Commonwealth were also present - marking its 200th election observation mission. They were there to assess the electoral process and make recommendations that, if implemented, can help foster public confidence, bolster electoral integrity and strengthen democratic institutions.
Two women from different generations found themselves united in a common purpose: to have their say in who governs the country. Samanmalee Gunawardena and Dilushi Wijesinghe had risen early to eagerly join seventeen million Sri Lankans in choosing their next President.
Image
Samanmalee, a 76-year-old retiree, was born in the very year Sri Lanka achieved independence and Dilushi, a 22-year-old journalist, had strong opinions about actions her next President should take. Dilushi felt the priorities should be tackling the national debt as well as providing benefits for the elderly and marginalised communities.
As they cast their ballots in Colombo's bustling suburbs, a shared commitment to democracy bridged their half-century age gap.
Dilushi Wijesinghe declared:
"As a first-time voter, it was exciting to be included in the decision-making process of electing the next leader of the country,".
Proudly holding up an inked finger as evidence that she had exercised her democratic right, she added:
"I had never entered a polling station, nor was I familiar with the process - from standing in line, to the election officers loudly calling your name, verifying your identity.
"I felt the responsibility to make an educated choice about who to vote for, as I'm aware that my participation will impact the final outcome of the election."
Image
Both women expressed concerns about important issues facing the island nation: economic stability, social cohesion, and good governance.
Samanmalee expressed her gratitude to the Commonwealth for sending an observer group to Sri Lanka: "Thank you for watching," she said, as a line of voters patiently waited to follow her example.
Over the years, the Commonwealth’s election observation - and its electoral and democratic support more broadly - is one of the most prominent and visible aspects of the Secretariat’s work and a tangible representation of Commonwealth values and principles.
Image
Dilushi said:
"I feel that the Commonwealth’s depth of experience in observation missions has given me, personally, a better understanding overall of the election processes, and I found the Commonwealth Handbook on Election Observation very informative."
Samanmalee and Dilushi epitomise the intergenerational dialogue taking place across the country. Their enthusiasm for voting also highlights the need to ensure the active participation of women in all forms of democracy, as recommended in observer group reports to Sri Lanka and other countries in the Commonwealth.
Image
Dr Tres-Ann Kremer, a member of the Commonwealth Observer Group to Sri Lanka, said:
"It's encouraging and inspiring to see women of all ages exercising their franchise. This election demonstrates how democracy can unite citizens across generational lines, fostering a sense of shared national identity and purpose."
The Commonwealth Secretariat takes a two-pronged approach to its mandate to shore up democracy in member countries by coupling robust election observations with targeted assistance to national stakeholders throughout the election life cycle. Both support countries as they strengthen their democratic practices as a foundation for peaceful, prosperous and progressive societies.
- Commonwealth observers release final report on Sri Lanka presidential election
- Read the Commonwealth Observer Group’s final report
Media contact
-
Temitope Kalejaiye, Public Relations and Engagement Officer, Commonwealth Secretariat
- M: +233548134343 | Email
