Follow Australia’s Example

Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa at a recent press conference had said that it was difficult to carry out election propaganda without posters, banners, cutouts etc. I would humbly request the Minister to either visit Australia or get the information from some resident there on how to do propaganda without posters and cut-outs.

During the last Australian general election I was in Australia. There were no banners, posters, or cutouts displayed as they are prohibited by law in that country. It is not only that. Even election rallies and meetings are prohibited. Under the law of that country it is compulsory that every citizen should cast his vote at an election. If anyone does not comply he is punished by a court of law. Election propaganda, debates etc., are shown on television. If this system is adopted, money spent on posters etc. could be saved and there will not be clashes among the voters.

Further no one would know who voted for whom. This will save a lot of money and time too. I think Prof Tissa Vitharana, and Minister Dinesh Gunawardena should take this matter up as they are currently involved with the APRC to amend the constitution

M.N. de Soysa
Mt. Lavinia