As D-Day Draws Near Election Violations Gain Momentum

JVP Tissamaharama attack

By Cassandra Mascarenhas

Several incidents of election violence and violations have been reported to the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), its Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi said.

The incidents include misuse of RDA vehicles in the election campaign, breaking into the offices of a Provincial Council member in Galle and destroying a cut out of Sarath Fonseka which was followed by another similar incident in Anuradhapura. One of the more serious offences was a shooting in Anuradhapura where a cab in which a Pradeshiya Sabha member was travelling in was shot at but there were no fatalities.

“We are able to monitor the situation but it is only the police of the area who have the authority to take direct action. However, if no action is taken by the police, PAFFREL can intervene and demand for some action to be taken,” Hettiarachchi explained when asked as to what action had been taken against these perpetrators.

The new IGP Mahinda Balasuriya has taken several measures to minimise election violence.  He is also concentrating on the incidents that may take place on the day of the elections and is taking several preventive measures such as making provisions to protect ballot papers – usually two policemen are assigned per booth to ensure the safety of ballot papers, but he intends to allocate four per booth.

PAFFREL has also met with Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake and discussed several pressing issues regarding the elections such as ensuring that all IDPs get the opportunity to exercise their vote, and the production and issuing of identity cards etc.