- PAFFREL points at Southern, Central, & Eastern Governors for violative conduct
The polls monitor, the People's Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), raised concerns over alleged violations of election laws by certain Provincial Governors, and hence officially addressed Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, urging immediate action to curb these illegal political interventions, in his capacity as the Minister of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government (LG).
Writing a letter to the Premier yesterday (9), PAFFREL Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi stated that the Government should take actions to prevent the violation of election laws occurring at the LG level at a time when the LG Elections are yet to be held.
“The LG Elections face uncertainty due to the Government not releasing funds; yet, the elections are still legally active. Additionally, the Presidential Election is set to be announced in the upcoming weeks. Amidst this political backdrop, a circular (PS/SB/Circular/5/2024) issued on 29 April, under the President's Secretary's signature, authorised the appointment of Local politicians to oversee Government development projects,” it reads.
The PAFFREL further noted that while not opposing development projects, it has filed a Fundamental Rights petition before the Supreme Court with regards to the prevention of this kind of election malpractices.
“The petition calls for an appropriate system to prevent the promotion of any political party or candidate through these projects. The judicial process is being circumvented, and the ethical guidelines set by the Election Commission are being ignored,” the letter pointed out.
The letter also said that the Governor of the Southern Province is accused of giving appointments to LG Elections candidates and other officials. According to the PAFFREL, these appointments were allegedly made about a month and a half ago, with appointees already utilising office facilities and intervening in development activities. The letter pointed out that similar actions are reportedly being taken by the Central and Eastern Provincial Governors.
“The appointed candidates or former LG officials have been contacting heads of LG bodies, requesting office facilities and utilising State resources without legal authority. These actions are seen as direct political interventions that could influence the election process,” it further reads.
Therefore, Hettiarachchi urged Gunawardena to halt these illegal activities and also requested that LG Commissioners and other heads of LG bodies be instructed not to permit the use of State or LG property without legal authority.