Fri, 29 Mar 2024 Today's Paper

Sharma urges setting up of an Independent EC

30 October 2013 07:55 am - 8     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

While commending the Northern Provincial Council elections, Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma underlined the necessity to set up an independent election commission, which is a widely valued as a Commonwealth good practice.
 
Issuing the final report on the Commonwealth Observer Mission to Sri Lanka’s Northern Provincial Council Election, held on 21 September 2013, Sharma described the election as an historic election for Sri Lanka, and one which he said the Commonwealth was pleased to have been invited to observe.

Mr Sharma said Commonwealth observers had found the conduct of Election Day itself to be impressive.

“Voters turned out in large numbers to exercise their franchise, and electoral officials conducted polling with dedication and diligence,” he said. “The post-results environment was also peaceful and for this, we commend the leadership of participating political parties.”

The Secretary-General, however, drew attention to the Commonwealth Observer Mission’s concerns about the pre-electoral environment. He said: “I support the Observer Mission’s view that an election is a process and not an event. The pre-electoral environment is vital to its integrity and credibility.”

Mr Sharma also noted the Observer Mission’s call for the establishment of an independent electoral commission, which is a widely valued Commonwealth good practice. The Secretary-General said: “We have an ongoing programme of work with Sri Lanka. We stand ready to assist Sri Lanka in strengthening its electoral framework as well.

“I echo the sentiments of the Commonwealth Observer Mission in hoping that this historic election marks a step forward in the harmonious development of the Northern Province and of Sri Lanka as a whole.”

The Commonwealth Observation Mission was in Sri Lanka from 14 – 28 September. Its mandate required its members to observe and consider all aspects of the electoral process and to assess compliance with the standards for democratic elections reflected in national election-related legislation and relevant regional, Commonwealth as well as other international commitments. The Observer Mission met with a range of stakeholders and on election day its members were present in the five districts of the Northern Province.

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

  Comments - 8

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka
  • Ratavasiya Wednesday, 30 October 2013 10:38 AM

    This is an excellent proposal which majority of population are waiting for.

    Chryshan Wednesday, 30 October 2013 10:43 AM

    OMG!! How to do the Jilmart?

    Rohan1 Wednesday, 30 October 2013 01:08 PM

    Hello mate, what happened to the Shirani Bandaranayake report? Why did you want to hide it??

    C.K.Lankaputhra Wednesday, 30 October 2013 02:00 PM

    You are sadly mistaken Sir. It will never set up even in their worst dream.

    jim pappa Wednesday, 30 October 2013 04:00 PM

    You can go ahead and underline anything you wish but please don't undermine our country.

    hello Wednesday, 30 October 2013 04:21 PM

    Hello mate, you are obviously on a damage limitation exercise after the Canadians' opinion on you. What did you get from SL ...$?

    tony francis Wednesday, 30 October 2013 05:46 PM

    Did you get this screened by MR&KR before publishing?
    Shame upon you to still continue in the post!!!

    Park Thursday, 31 October 2013 09:56 PM

    What is the priority election commission first or human rights investigation first. Sharma should be honest to himself first.


Add comment

Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Reply To:

Name - Reply Comment





Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

VAT increase: SOUNDs death knell for publishers, readers

Though the Government imposed VAT (Value Added Tax) on vegetables and other e

How female change-makers are driving Sri Lanka’s energy saving platform

Saving energy has become more of a responsibility than a habit in today’s c

A dull Ramadan awaits Muslims amidst the Soaring Cost of Living

In the coming days, Muslims across the world will welcome the Holy Month of R

New wildlife underpass to curtail HEC

As of February 2024, Sri Lanka lost another 38 elephants as a result of the H