EU says 2004 elections were comparatively free and fair

John Cushnahan, Chief Observer of European Union Election Observation Mission (EOM) told the journalists that Sri Lanka has failed to implement any key recommendations of the previous three EU missions.

Addressing the media in Colombo on Friday, Cushnahan warned that the future requests by Sri Lanka may be ignored by the EU if the authorities fail to implement recommendations of the EOM after the November 17 presidential elections.

2004 elections

The EU was however pleased that, he said, that the 2004 general election was largely conducted in a democratic manner, apart from the north and east.

"I would like to once again acknowledge the contribution of the established political parties for helping bring this about. I hope that they will continue their best efforts to ensure the same will be true of the current election."

The EU mission pledged to be ‘fully independent’ and to ‘honestly report’ on the outcome of the presidential elections.

The observation mission was established on the invitation of Elections Commissioner, Dayananada Dissanayake.

"My team and I look forward to working with all the candidates, their party supporters, civil society and especially the Election Commissioner and his staff," Cushnahan added.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse and Leader of the Opposition Ranil Wickramasinghe are the main contenders of the November 17 elections.