Over 168 violations of election laws recorded

By Lal Gunasekera

The Network for Election Monitoring by the Intellectuals for Human Rights (NEMIHR) yesterday said it had received 168 complaints related to election violence, unlawful propaganda, misuse of State property and the use of State power by the ruling UPFA for its campaign.

CEO of NEMIHR Dr. Uditha Gunasekera said the complaints included 52 related to unlawful propaganda, 24 on misuse of State property and resources, 12 on use of State power by the UPFA government in campaigning for its candidates, 11 cases on election violence and five (5) on undue influence of public opinion.

The NEMIHR had observed an increase in incidents reported compared to the first week after nominations and under the prevailing conditions fair elections could not be expected in the Sabaragamuwa, North-Central and Eastern Provinces, Gunasekera said.

NEMIHR also alleged that on Saturday (18) the former chief Minister of the Sabaragamuwa Province Maheepala Herath had conducted a meeting at his private residence at Cemetery Road, Kegalle for Public Health Inspectors and others connected to the health sector. PHIs from the Ratnapura and Kegalle Districts, had been present there, Gunasekera said.

Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CAFFE) has reported that several vehicles belonging to the Health Ministry were used for election purposes in the Kegalle District.

CAFFE has said dry rations, mammoties and water pumps were distributed on August 16 at the Udugama Colony in Kekirawa and several places in the Anuradhapura district and the goods were transported in vehicles belonging to the Wildlife and Agrarian Services Ministry.

 Hits: 15     Send to Friend