Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Kenya joins distinguished Election Observer team for Zimbabwe

High Commissioner Kana Kananathan and former President of Nigeria Goodluck Jonathan

In a testament to Sri Lanka’s growing diplomatic engagement with African nations, Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Kenya Kana Kananathan has been selected as an esteemed Election Observer for Zimbabwe’s 2023 presidential and parliamentary elections. 

This marks the fourth time Kananathan has taken on this pivotal role in an African State, underscoring his influential connections in the continent and strengthening bilateral relations between Africa and Sri Lanka.

Kananathan had the privilege to serve as an Elections Observer alongside an eminent assembly of former leaders and dignitaries. Among his distinguished colleagues were former President of Nigeria Goodluck Jonathan, Mozambique’s Joaquim Chissano; and Zambia’s former Vice President Dr. Nevers Mumba. Former Prime Minister of Uganda Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, as well as representatives from the Commonwealth team headed by former Foreign Minister of Kenya Amb Amina Mohamed, former Finance Minister of Zambia and the current Secretary General of COMESA Amb Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe, European Union Parliamentarians, and other international monitors, joined forces to contribute their expertise to the observation process.

The inclusion of Kananathan in this esteemed group adds a valuable perspective to the election observer team. His experience and insights from his previous roles as a diplomatic representative in African countries uniquely position him to understand the socio-political dynamics at play during the elections. Kananathan’s presence signifies the dedication of Sri Lanka to foster strong diplomatic ties with African nations and engage in the democratic processes that shape these countries’ futures.

Zimbabweans head to the polls to choose the country’s next president in what political pundits believe will be a tight race. Eleven candidates are vying for the top position. But the race is largely seen as a rematch between Nelson Chamisa, the 45-year-old opposition leader and the man who defeated him in the 2018 presidential election, Emmerson Mnangagwa, the incumbent president. Mnangagwa, 80, who took over the reins from Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe’s first president, after a November 2017 coup, is the leader of the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF). Chamisa has led the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) since it was formed in January 2022 after a split from the Movement for Democratic Change – Alliance, previously the leading opposition party.

While the BRICS Summit unfolds in neighbouring South Africa, Zimbabwe’s election holds key implications for the country’s future trajectory. 

Sri Lanka’s proactive involvement in the African election observation arena highlights the nation’s commitment to democracy, fair elections, and international cooperation. This milestone also serves as a testament to the High Commissioner’s influential connections in Africa, further solidifying Sri Lanka’s presence on the global diplomatic stage.