• Close to 2500 complaints received thus far

The Department of Police stated that they will investigate all complaints of election law violations, whether reported directly to the Police or through the Election Commission (EC), and take expeditious action.

More than 2,500 complaints pertaining to the Presidential Election scheduled for 21 September have been received thus far.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Police Spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), attorney Nihal Thalduwa said that the Police are investigating the complaints pertaining to election law violations, and taking action expeditiously. “We are receiving complaints both directly and through the EC. Most of the complaints that have been investigated are those received directly. The relevant Police stations are investigating those complaints and initiate the necessary action,”

Between 31 July and 6 September, the EC has received a total of 2,644 election-related complaints. Among those, 2,571 were related to violations of election laws, 11 were acts of violence, and 62 fell under other categories. In addition to the EC, election monitoring organisations such as the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) have also reported receiving related complaints.

Commenting on the nature of the complaints received by the EC on an earlier occasion, EC Chairperson R.M.A.L. Ratnayake said that most of the complaints are about appointments and transfers within the public service. “There is a very small number of complaints concerning election-related violence and poster campaigns. In addition, there are also requests seeking our permission to implement certain programmes. We look into them and do the needful immediately upon their receipt.” he said.