There is much confidence in the Jagdeo-led Commonwealth team

TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor,

Reference is made to former President Bharrat Jagdeo’s appointment to lead the Commonwealth Observer mission in Sri Lanka for the Presidential election. The former President’s invitation and his acceptance have become critical to ensure a free and fair election in Lanka.

There is full faith and confidence in the mission and in Jagdeo’s ability to oversee the team. Besides, Jagdeo’s team, there are also several other international and local missions.  The election is being keenly watched to prevent electoral rigging like what happened in Guyana during the PNC ethnic dictatorship.

The observers will have to render a verdict on the state of the election – whether it accurately reflects the will of the voters. The outcome is expected to be close because of various factors impacting on the contest. The incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa is worried he could be defeated and the Opposition is worried about potential rigging.

Hence, the reason for the many observers to prevent rigging.

Like Guyana, Sri Lanka has an ethnic problem between the majority Sinhalese (70 per cent) and minority Tamil. Tens of thousands of Tamils were butchered during three decades of civil war that ended five years ago when the Tamil guerrilla leadership was liquidated in cold blood.

The election is keenly watched and Jagdeo’s Commonwealth Mission has an important role to play – there is confidence they will carry out their duty with integrity.

Vishnu Bisram

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