News
Election violations: EC says over 900, PAFFREL says 222
View(s):- Only one violent incident reported so far
By Ishu Bandara
More than 900 complaints of election violations have been reported to the Election Commission as of yesterday.
They include 427 complaints made to the national centre of the Elections Commission and 474 complaints received at district levels.
However, the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has reported only 222 complaints.
Significantly, both bodies have recorded only one incident of violence up to now.
The Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies (IRES) reported 135 confirmed incidents, none of which involved violence. The Election Commission has intervened to look into the complaints. In one of the incidents they had taken steps to cover a cutout put up in Matara as it was violating election laws.
PAFFREL Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi reported to the Election Commission that the Cabinet’s decision to provide fertiliser at special rates to farmers and a fuel subsidy of 25 rupees to fishermen during the election period could be seen as an attempt by the Government to influence voters.
Manjula Gajanayaka of IRES told the Sunday Times, “Our field observers reported that some supporters of a political party were distributing low quality toddy in arrack bottles, posing a significant health risk to consumers. These bottles are being distributed among Nuwara Eliya estate workers, who subsequently failed to report to work the following day, causing further issues.
“The toddy is also being given to people attending rallies in buses. We have already sent a letter to the Police, and have requested that Public Health Officers (PHIs) address this matter urgently.”
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