The European Union Election Observation Mission(EU EOM), Deputy Chief Observer Dimitra Ioannou said Sri Lanka has implemented only three out of the 26 recommendations put forth following the presidential poll in 2015. EU EOM to Sri Lanka's presidential election on 16 November was officially launched today. Ioannou speaking to reporters said a total 80 observers will be deployed to the 9 provinces for observation activities. According to Ioannou the team will carry out a comprehensive election assessment, focusing on the legal framework, electoral administration, voter registration, campaigning, conduct of the media, including social media, voting, counting and tallying and the transmission of results. Asked if the EU EOM will voice its opinion on election violence during and before the election, Ioannou said the mission was not in Sri Lanka to legitimize the election process. She said the mission will only be involved in poll observing activities. She said the EU EOM will not issue any public statements before election day and said initial findings of the mission will be announced about two days after election day. Ioannou asserted that the EU EOM cannot impose its recommendations on Sri Lanka. However, she said, the EU EOM hopes its recommendations, following the presidential polls 2019, will be taken into consideration by relevant bodies including the Election Commission. The mission will remain in the country well beyond election day to observe any appeals or complaints that have been or maybe raised. EU Election Observation Mission operates in accordance with the “Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation” adopted in 2005 at the United Nations. Pictures by Lalith Perera [foogallery id="54493"]