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Flouting of election laws, abuse of State property, violence hold sway
An upsurge in election related violence and flouting of election laws using illegal propaganda and abuse of State property, including using Govt. officials for the ruling party’s campaign, are among the highlights of the Uva Provincial Council (UPC) election campaigns, with less than three weeks for the polls.
An opposition party campaign office attacked. Pic by Sumanasiri Gunathilake
Badulla District JVP candidate Krishnan Selvarajah, was on Thursday assaulted by supporters of UPFA candidate Anura Vidanagamage.
“I was with two of my supporters near our office in Kaldamulla. A vehicle stopped near us and the oocupants started to attack us saying, “JVP can’t do politics here.” he said.
He and his two supporters were admitted to Diyatalawa base hospital.
Network for Election Monitoring of the Intellectuals for Human Rights (NEM-IHR) said it has received 191 complaints related to election violence, since nomination day.
In a weekly situation report, it alleged that the Ministry of Economic Development is preparing to deploy 50 Samurdhi Officers each to all Divisional Secretariats in the province, next Sunday and Monday.
NEM-IHR Director, Chaminda Gunasekara said, according to information received, these Samurdhi Officers are to be used while on duty, in the UPFA’s election campaign to distribute various items to Samurdhi recipients.
Pic by Nayanajeewa Bandara
He added that complaints have also been received of the Economic Development Ministry’s intention to send recently recruited graduates to all houses in the UP, to carry out the UPFA’s election campaign, on the pretext of conducting an economic survey.
In another instance, 10,000 Divi Neguma officers in the province have been instructed to attend office from September 5-8, to engage in the UPFA’s main campaign preparations, it alleged.
Seventy three complaints of election related violence have been lodged with the election monitoring office at the Moneragala District Secretariat, District Secretary A. 
Patthinathan told the Sunday Times.
“This week we had discussions with the Human Rights Commission and Uva’s Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police, Lalith Jayasinghe, and analysed the current situation in the district. We suggested that candidates be instructed on the situation in the district and that, they should help conduct a free and fair election.” he said.
Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) said, since the Nomination day, it has received 114 complaints with most of them (84) from the Moneragala district.
CaFFE Director, Keerthi Tennakoon said, politically motivated people are roaming around in the night engaging in election violence.
“The Elections Commissioner kept telling the police, who are armed and well equipped with motorbikes and other latest technologies, to deploy more patrols within the province, to ensure the security of the people, but we have not seen any of them. Law enforcement in selected areas is questionable,” he said.
CaFFE further added that a large number of vehicles without number plates are roaming the province, engaged in electioneering.
“This is not only a violation of election laws, but also the Motor Traffic Act, and shows the extent of the breakdown of law and order in Uva. 
UPFA candidate Senthil Thondaman’s vehicles are among them too. We urged the Commissioner of Elections and the IGP to take immediate action,” he said.
People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) urged the Elections Commissioner to arm the police officers on duty with weapons to be used if the situation demands, in the run up to the election.
“The worst situation was reported from from Bibile and Badalkumbura areas of Moneragala district, where 28 Opposition party offices were attacked. Another major concern is the use of firearms to intimidate political party activists.” said PAFFREL Director, Rohana Hettiarachchi.
Deputy Elections Commissioner M.M. Mohamed said that more election officials will be sent to the UP next week, to monitor the enforcement of election laws within the province.
“More Election dept officials from other districts have been tasked with this. We expect to deploy around 70 officials by next week. Along with police, they will monitor the situation there,” he said.
United National Party’s (UNP) Leadership Council Chairman, Karu Jayasuriya said at a meeting with Election Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya, that they urged him to strictly implement election laws as violence was intensifying.
“We have told him how State resources are being abused by the government in this election. Particularly, former chief minister Sasheendra Rajapaksa, who has brought thugs from other districts to create tension within the province. Our political offices were attacked and our officials intimidated, but so far no significant action has taken place,” he said.
Mr Jayasuriya alleged that the local police were like servants to bosses, who are government politicians in the province.
UPFA Monearagala MP Arachige Vijitha Beruda rejecting the allegations made against his party, said there was no need for them to attack Opposition party offices as the people are with them.
“Why should we attack them? If we did, it would be more advantageous for them. Our victory in this election is confirmed by the people.” he said.