14 short term observers have been deployed in 5 provinces in the country since the 21st of January; this report presents the general trends observed by PAFFREL’s international observers during the pre-election period.
At 4 pm the 26th of January 2010 polling stations across Sri Lanka locked their doors and loaded ballot boxes into government provided vehicles. The fears, tensions and anxieties that paved the way to the 2010 election did not show on the Election Day that remained largely calm. In most places the streets were remarkably empty and shops were closed, the sense of a big happening was in the air. Reports from international observers island-wide reflected a peaceful environment, professional, obliging and prompt conduct on the part of government servants, and a relatively high voter turnout in southern, western and eastern provinces. Despite repeated propaganda violations during the pre-election period our monitors were happy to note an almost complete absence of print propaganda on the Election Day. People were sensed to be proud to vote for their candidate and make a difference. Though the concerns raised in the pre-election period remained and the observers expressed the need of safeguarding every process of the election through legal electoral justice and a very independent and powerful election commissioner.
Voter Participation
A big voter turnout was reported in most districts with the majority of voters visiting the polling stations early in the morning. However, citizens of Jaffna and the Vanni numbered very low and people did not think much into the election. Reports from the north reflected disturbing patterns where a lack of transportation proved to be a hindrance, especially for IDPs travelling to cluster polling stations. One instance was reported in Kilinochchi were busloads of IDPs had been waiting to vote since 6 am but were delayed and arrived at the polling station five minutes before the close of the poll, and were not able to cast their vote. The same was observed in Chettykulam were a huge number of IDP voters were not provided with adequate transport facilities, as earlier promised by the government. Many people waiting for ours went back home without voting due to the long waiting time. Concern was raised that the number of voters not being able to vote due to this reason was very high.
Security
Observers reported several cases were a sense of fear and intimidation was exposed at the presence of heavily armed security personnel inside the polling stations.
In Vavuniya small cases of grenade attack and threats to opposition supporters were reported as well as threats to opposition supporters. Several grenade attacks, including one thrown on a polling station were reported from Jaffna. The concern was raised that this may make people hesitant to vote. In Batticaloa it was reported that supporters of the UPFA tried to disrupt polls and in Kandy the chasing away of polling agents and voters from polling stations was reported.
Voter Identity
The appallingly low voter turnout of IDPs, and the consistent lack of proper, identification were reported by observers to be a serious issue. It was observed that a substantive number of IDPs and resettled in the Vanni had not received their ID-cards, and the overall possession of ID-cards in this district was very low.
In northern Trincomalee incidents of double voting was observed with people registered vote at several polling stations. One matter was reported by our international team to the SPO and the police who ultimately denied the voter, though in other cases when pointed out to the respective SPO and Grama Nilhadari they were very ignorant about the matter. One instance in Hambantota was reported where a woman came to vote just to find out that her vote had already been cast by someone else.
The procedure of accepting ID-cards varied and in some cases people with the Grama Niladaris were incorrectly accepted whereas in other places people with proper identification were reported as not allowed to cast their vote. One rejected voter with temporary id-card was found by the team in the cluster station in Kilinochchi.
Voter Education
It was found that many voters in the Vanni were confused about the need to produce proper identification. Many voters were observed asking for help as how to vote, how to mark and many seemed unaware of the 3 preferential system. In the entire Vanni district people were confused about the location of their polling stations and some voters were found moving around, having a hard time trying to locate the right polling station including their name. This was not the issue in most other areas where only minor instances of confusions occurred.
The Voting Process
With regards to the polling stations monitors expressed concerns that the voters’ privacy was compromised by the positioning of the voting booth. The voting booths were in most cases visible from the desk of the presiding officers and in one case even from outside through a window. In some stations this was explained to be because officials should be able to ensure that the ballot paper was not taken away by the voter and handed to those outside.
Although almost all polling stations were located on the ground floor disability access (particularly wheel chair access) was only observed in specific locations.
Unused ballot papers were kept inside an envelope which was wrapped and sealed after the closing of the polling station. However, the monitors expressed concern that the unused ballot papers were not counted, and also that there is no way to ensure that the ballot boxes will not be changed on the way to the counting station, since only police and polling agents are allowed to follow. This concern was also observed among people gathered outside the polling stations. In Trincomalee some outstation ballot boxes were transported by helicopter, with no one being able to observe the transport.
It was found that in Neddakkulam IDP camp only 182 ballot papers were given though the SPO stated that 332 voters were possessing ID-cards, but would not be able to vote their due to the lack of ballot papers.
One positive thing observed in Kandy was that when the police and polling agents left with the ballot boxes supporters of both candidates lit fire crackers and celebrated together that the election was over.
State of Emergency
People in Vavuniya mentioned that the State of Emergency is not necessary anymore and the election should have been taken place without the State of Emergency since it caused panic among them.
Post-Election
Post-election violence was a concern expressed in Batticaloa and Kandy. There is a strong presence of STF, Police and Army ready to address any tension or violence.
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