EU Urges to Repeal Restrictive Laws for Free Expression

COLOMBO (News 1st); The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Sri Lanka today published its Final Report on the 2024 presidential election, held on 21 September. 

The report is based on a two-month-long, country-wide observation and presents a detailed analysis and assessment of the entire electoral process.

As part of this report, the mission offers 16 recommendations aimed at strengthening and refining future electoral processes, in line with Sri Lanka’s international commitments to democratic elections.

Chief Observer Nacho Sánchez Amor, Member of the European Parliament, stated: “The 2024 presidential election marked a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s democratic journey and a renewal of political normalcy after a period of unprecedented turmoil. Citizens demonstrated their commitment to the democratic process, while the Election Commission of Sri Lanka (ECSL) worked independently and with resolve, ensuring transparency at all key electoral stages. A peaceful election day and the swift acceptance of results by candidates underscored the strength of Sri Lanka’s democratic institutions.”

The mission noted several positive developments, including significant reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in campaign finance, and greater inclusion of youth in the voter lists.

Overall, the mission concluded that the electoral legal framework is well developed and the collaborative engagement of the ECSL and civil society made a positive contribution to the election. 

Fundamental freedoms were respected throughout the campaign and voters had genuine political alternatives to choose from.

Chief Observer Nacho Sánchez Amor added: "The presidential election attested to the resilience of Sri Lanka’s democracy. Now, after the parliamentary elections, we hope that the President and the new government will implement further reforms aiming at strengthening transparency, inclusiveness and rule of law. The European Union stands ready to support Sri Lanka on this path, in accordance with existing cooperation.”

The EU EOM Final Report recommends meaningful advancement of the participation of women in politics, and strengthening of enforcement mechanisms against the misuse of state resources. 

The mission notes that the progressive reform of campaign finance would benefit from further fine-tuning. 

The EU EOM Final report also calls for the protection of freedom of expression by repealing restrictive legislation, including the Online Safety Act and the Prevention of Terrorism Act, as well as further emphasising the need to improve accessibility for voters with disabilities.

“Democracy thrives through transparency, inclusiveness and free expression,” concluded the Chief Observer.

The EU EOM was deployed at the invitation of Sri Lanka’s Election Commission and the Government of Sri Lanka and was present in in the country from 14 August to 10 October 2024. It deployed over 70 international observers across all nine provinces.