Transparency International slams government for election law violations with pre-poll promises

The Government has faced criticism for its recent pre-election announcements of subsidies and salary increases, with Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) calling these actions a clear and deliberate breach of election laws.

In a statement, TISL, which monitors the misuse of public resources during elections, revealed that several state sector benefits have been announced ahead of the 2024 Presidential Election. Among these is a Cabinet-approved 24-35% salary hike for all public servants, effective January 2025, along with a Rs. 25,000 Cost of Living Allowance. With around 1.5 million public servants in Sri Lanka, nearly all of whom are voters, this move is seen as highly influential.

Additionally, the Government has promised Rs. 12,000 Cost of Living Allowance for pensioners and subsidies for fuel and fertilizer aimed at fisherfolk and tea growers. A recent increase in the minimum wage for plantation workers to Rs. 1,700 was also noted.

However, concerns were raised about the lack of clarity on how these financial commitments will be funded. While not opposed to providing subsidies or benefits to the public, TISL emphasized that the timing of these announcements violates election laws, which prohibit the use of public resources to promote or harm any candidate during the election period.

Over 80 complaints have already been filed with the Election Commission regarding these issues, and the Commission has been praised for its prompt actions to address some of the violations. Despite this, there is deep concern about the growing number of complaints related to the misuse of public resources and the abuse of power to favor certain candidates as the Presidential Election approaches.

The Election Commission was urged to take decisive action to prevent further breaches of election laws. Such actions by the current government, particularly under the incumbent President who is also a candidate, represent a serious misuse of executive powers for personal political gain. This undermines the fairness of the election and compromises citizens' right to vote freely.

Immediate measures were called for to restore electoral integrity and uphold democratic principles.