The Election Commission (EC) stated that the majority of complaints received in relation to the election concern appointments and transfers within the public service, and that appropriate actions are taken immediately upon receiving them.

Nearly 1,000 complaints pertaining to the Presidential Election scheduled for 21 September have been received thus far by the EC.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Chairperson of the EC R.M.A.L. Rathnayake said that there is a team of about 20 to go through the election-related complaints and take appropriate action. 

“We have a team to receive and act on election-related complaints. They take the necessary steps as soon as a complaint is received. If a particular complaint needs to be investigated further, they are being referred to the Police Unit headed by a Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police.”

Commenting on the nature of the complaints received by the EC, he 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.”

Between 31 July and 26 August, the EC has received a total of 925 election-related complaints. Among these, 901 were related to violations of election laws, one was an act of violence, and 23 fell under other categories. The EC has expressed concerns over the fact that nearly 1,000 complaints were lodged in less than a month. In addition to the EC, election monitoring organisations such as the People's Action for Free and Fair Elections have also reported receiving related complaints.