The main Parliamentary Opposition, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) urged the Government to ensure that the Local Government (LG) Elections are free of any undue influence, alleging that certain statements made by the Government imply that the Government is attempting to influence voters to gain advantages during the said elections.

SJB Parliamentarian Mujibur Rahman alleged that the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, the leading constituent party of the ruling party, the National People’s Power (NPP) Alliance, has resorted to using its political powers to instill fears in voters.

“The President and members of the Government can be seen acting in a manner that violates election laws. During rallies held in Kantale and in the Southern part of the country, the President made similar statements. He has requested that the NPP be given power in the LG institutions. During these meetings, the President has further said that the LG institutions in which the NPP does not receive power will not receive monetary provisions,” Rahman said, adding that these statements imply that funds will be allocated for provincial development only if the NPP is elected. This, he opined, is a message that indirectly influences voters which is also an anti-democratic act.