In statement published Wednesday, the Commonwealth election monitors, who arrived on the island a few days ago, ahead of the Northern Provincial Council election due to take place on Saturday, outlined their mandate.
See here for full statement.
"Our task is to consider all the factors impinging on the credibility of the electoral process as a whole, and to assess whether the election is conducted according to the standards for democratic elections to which Sri Lanka has committed itself, with reference to its own election legislation as well as relevant regional, Commonwealth and other international commitments.
We will consider, among other things, whether conditions exist for free and competitive elections; whether the Elections Commission is independent and effective; the transparency of the process; whether candidates have been free to campaign; what role the media has played; whether voters have been free to express their will; and whether the results process is transparent.
In conducting our duties and undertaking our assessment, we will be neutral, impartial, objective and independent. We are here in our individual capacities as eminent and experienced Commonwealth citizens. The assessment by the Mission will be its own and not that of any member government. Our intent is to offer constructive support to help strengthen the democratic process in the future."
See here for full statement.