The 2024 Sri Lankan presidential election, held on September 21, has been deemed peaceful by the Commonwealth Observer Group, but it noted that some voters and polling staff did not appear to fully understand the preferential system of voting.
The preferential voting system allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. In Sri Lanka's case, voters could mark up to three preferences on their ballot paper.
The Group recommended that more needs to be done to build the electorate’s knowledge and understanding of the preferential voting system, throughout the electoral cycle.
The Commonwealth Observer Group, led by former president of Seychelles, HE Danny Faure, issued its preliminary assessment in Colombo at a press conference. Addressing journalists, he commended the Election Commission of Sri Lanka for introducing key reforms, such as campaign finance legislation, tactile frames for visually impaired voters and sign language at polling stations.
The statement praised the polling procedures saying:
“The pre-poll and opening procedures were meticulously followed at the stations observed. Polling stations opened on time and there were few queues at the start of the poll.
Voting proceeded in a peaceful and orderly atmosphere. We observed that some polling stations had separate queues for men and women. Most polling stations were divided into two or more streams, which aided queue management.
In all polling stations visited, a sample of the ballot paper and relevant instructions were clearly displayed. Signage was also visibly displayed outside some polling stations.
The polling officials conducted their duties with professionalism, transparency, diligence and dedication. They were also helpful to voters, especially the elderly and people with disabilities”
The Group concluded that the election was credible and transparent, and commended the people of Sri Lanka for turning out in large numbers in an orderly manner and hopes that the peaceful environment will continue in the post-election phase.
The Commonwealth Observer Group will issue a final report which will offer comprehensive analysis and recommendations for further improving Sri Lanka's future electoral processes.
Temitope Kalejaiye , Public Relations and Engagement Officer, Commonwealth Secretariat
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