29/01/2025
Coalition of Political Parties in the Bangsamoro visite PAFREL in Sri-Langka
On January 21, 2022, our delegation had the opportunity to visit the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) office in Sri Lanka. Established in 1987, PAFFREL is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting transparent and credible elections. Since its inception, it has actively monitored various electoral processes, including local, provincial, parliamentary, and presidential elections.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchie, who has been with the organization for nearly four decades, PAFFREL has played a crucial role in safeguarding electoral integrity. Through extensive election monitoring and detailed reporting, the organization has identified irregularities and advocated for much-needed reforms.
Beyond election observation, PAFFREL has been instrumental in shaping Sri Lanka’s electoral policies. In 2021, the organization submitted key recommendations to the Parliamentary Select Committee, highlighting the need for early voting systems and proposing practical strategies for their implementation. These recommendations have significantly influenced policy decisions, paving the way for a more inclusive and transparent electoral process.
One of Sri Lanka’s longstanding challenges has been ensuring peaceful elections, moving away from past instances of electoral violence. PAFFREL has actively worked with various stakeholders—including media organizations, businesses, grassroots groups, and politicians—to promote electoral reforms. A landmark achievement in this regard is the March 12 Declaration, a people-driven initiative that sets ethical standards for selecting capable and principled leaders.
PAFFREL’s mission aligns closely with the work of the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) in the Philippines. Both organizations share a commitment to fostering credible elections through election monitoring, advocacy, and public participation.
During our discussion, Executive Director Hettiarachchie underscored the importance of political neutrality in election monitoring. To uphold impartiality, he himself refrains from voting in elections. One of PAFFREL’s best practices is its rapid response mechanism—when electoral violations occur, the organization promptly reports them to authorities, including political parties and law enforcement. If solid evidence is presented, decisions on corrective actions are often made within 30 minutes.
The Executive Director highlighted that free and fair elections rely heavily on public trust—not just in the electoral system, but also in the government and its leaders. Even with procedural improvements, widespread corruption can erode trust and hinder national progress. He emphasized the vital role of grassroots organizations in holding politicians accountable. In a previous administration, civil society efforts successfully pressured a corrupt president to step down, illustrating the power of public advocacy in upholding democratic integrity.
Hettiarachchie also shared his experience visiting the Philippines, where he observed the use of electronic election systems. He noted that while Sri Lanka can learn from the Philippines’ advancements, active citizen engagement remains the most critical element in nation-building and anti-corruption efforts. A unified, non-partisan civil society is essential for fostering transparency and strengthening democracy.
This visit to PAFFREL has deepened understanding of how civil society organizations can influence electoral systems and promote accountability. The commitment of organizations like PAFFREL serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that democracy thrives when citizens, institutions, and advocacy groups work together to uphold fairness, integrity, and trust in governance.
