The Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) condemned certain incidents of intimation and violence during Sri Lanka Presidential Elections, reports Colombo Page on November 19. In a press conference in Colombo, Chair of COG, Prosper Bani, stated that though the Presidential election have been largely peaceful, certain incidents of violence especially an attack on a convoy of buses transporting Muslims to vote in the northern part of the country is highly condemnable. COG stressed that a credible election must be inclusive, guaranteeing every citizen's right to participate freely and safely in the process. The election observer group also noted that ethnic and religious tensions characterized aspects of the pre-election environment, creating an atmosphere of fear and anxiety for some groups. Like the other election observer groups, COG recommended the need for regulating financial campaigns as well as the different forms of media. Increase in women participation in politics was also recommended by COG. COG's final report will be submitted to the Commonwealth Secretary-General and subsequently made available to the Government of Sri Lanka, political parties, the Election Commission and the public.