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Election monitoring bodies warn of increase in election violence as poll day gets closer
View(s):An increase in the number of election law violations this week saw monitoring bodies warning that more violations could take place as Election Day draws closer. Police reported that a total of 301 persons were arrested up to yesterday, with 151 people being apprehended this week alone.
Election monitoring bodies and the Department of Elections said Colombo District has seen the highest number of election law breakers, with 139 of the total of 767 being reported from Colombo. Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) stated that several serious cases of election related violence were reported during the past four days. Nevertheless CaFFE executive director Keerthi Tennakoon remained hopeful that the present trend would not develop into an uncontrollable situation.
“We believe that the Law enforcement authorities are geared to maintain control over the situation,” Mr. Tennakoon said.
CaFFE has reported a total of 804 incidents to date, since the dissolution of Parliament on June 26. The number comprised 751 cases of election law violations and 53 cases of election related violence.
Mr Tennakoon told the Sunday Times that a number of serious incidents were reported from the districts of Colombo, Kurunegala, Gampaha, Ampara and Puttalam. According to CaFFE six supporters of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) were assaulted in Akkaraipattu, Ampara on Tuesday (July 28). One person who sustained injuries was admitted to hospital.
“The victims have complained that the attack was carried out by UPFA supporters,” CaFFE said.
In another incident a group of UPFA supporters were assaulted at Sandalanka at 10.30 pm on Monday (July 27). The assailants had arrived in a jeep and two other motor vehicles. The group had allegedly accosted the UPFA supporters, by pointing firearms at them and then attacked them with swords and iron bars.
Four victims are being treatment at the Makandura and Dambadeniya hospitals. Meanwhile, People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL recorded 674 incidents of election violations upto yesterday.This included 77 acts of election violence, 95 violations relating to the abuse of state power, resources and the misuse of state employees, and 502 incidents of other forms of electoral law violations.
According to PAFFREL reports, the Colombo District and Kurunegala District recorded the highest number of election related incidents, with 72 incidents reported from Colombo and 57 from Kurunegala.PAFFREL head Rohana Hettiarachchi said the monitoring body had reported 28 hospitalisations due to election related violence. The last three days saw the highest number, with nearly 12 people being admitted to the Colombo National hospital after being shot in Kotahena on Friday.
“We have noticed an increase in the number of election violations but in comparison with the previous elections it is relatively low,” Mr. Hettiarachchi said.