CALD Resolution No. 4 S. 1999

CALD Resolution No. 4. S. 1999

A Resolution appealing to the Government of Sri Lanka to allow and accept international monitors to its forthcoming presidential elections; reconsider its position and permit such monitoring by credible foreign groups; and lift the prohibition of election coverage by private media.

Aware that Sri Lanka will be having its presidential elections this December 21, 1999;

Considering that in 1998, upon the suggestion of the international liberal movement, then candidate Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike, requested the presence of international monitors in the presidential elections to help ensure the integrity of such democratic exercise;

Knowing that during that time, the then government of President JR Jayewardene at first rejected the request of Mrs. Bandaranaike but subsequently agreed after repeated appeals from within and outside Sri Lanka;

Noting that the ever since that time Sri Lanka had accepted monitors from different countries including the then Chair of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats, Deputy Speaker Raul A. Daza;

Bothered that the Sri Lankan government had manifested apparent reluctance to now accept foreign monitors in the forthcoming elections;

Citing likewise the Sri Lankan government’s prohibition of interviews with, and coverage of, candidates by private media despite its commitment to the freedom of the press;

Now therefore be it resolved as it is hereby resolved that the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats hereby appeal to the government of Sri Lanka to allow and accept international monitors to its forthcoming presidential elections; reconsider its position and permit such monitoring by credible foreign groups; and lift the prohibition of election coverage by private media.

For the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats:

Florencia B. Abad

Chairman

Manila, Philippines

26 November 1999

Categorised in: Resolutions

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