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| Friday, 12 March 2004 |
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by Rashomi Silva European Union Election Monitoring team chief John Cushnahan yesterday called for a "code of conduct for political parties" to ensure a free and fair election. Addressing a news briefing in Colombo, Cushnahan expressed disappointment over the non-implementation of the monitoring team's recommendations on strengthening the electoral process. Describing the situation as "unacceptable", he said: "When we were asked to return to Sri Lanka for the third time in four years, there was a need for serious reflection. Matters were further complicated by the fact the major recommendations we made for strengthening electoral process after 2000 and 2001 elections have not been implemented." Stressing European Union's support for strengthening democracy and human rights worldwide, Cushnahan said he considered the establishment of a multi-member Elections Commission as the most vital step in establishing free and fair elections in Sri Lanka. Cushnahan, also a member of the European Parliament and a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights and Defence Policy detailed problems of the 2000 and 2001 elections, saying the team will pay special attention to the abuse of State resources, unequal access to media, electoral violence and lack of access to certain polling stations. The team will include 40 short-term observers, 20 long-term observers, six core team members and the chief observer. Long-term observers have arrived here and they were deployed yesterday in teams of two to the region. The short term observers are expected to arrive one week before the election day, Cushnahan said. He said monitors will be deployed throughout the country including the cluster polling stations, for voters in uncleared areas. The team is expected to hold regular meetings with the media. |
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