EC to issue gazette barring activities that give undue advantage to contesting parties

The Election Commission (EC) said that it will issue a gazette tonight barring politicians from carrying out certain activities which could give them an undue advantage prior to the Presidential elections.

Polls chief Mahinda Deshapriya said that the gazette will suspend all transfers and promotions of state officials and the handing over of new appointments to state institutions, by politicians.

Mr. Deshapriya, however, noted that appointments to certain crucial positions such as doctors and teachers to state entities could be made.

Those events could be presided only by the Secretaries of the respective Ministries, he stressed.

The gazette will also impose a regulation prohibiting the usage of state property for political activities.

The EC yesterday (Sept 18) issued a gazette announcing that the presidential elections would be held on November 16.

(Reporting by Damith Wickramasekara)