• Majority on violations of election law

As Local Government Elections approach, the Election Commission reports that a total of 1,712 election-related complaints have been received by 18 April. 

Among these, nine are reports of violence, while 1,577 complaints are about election law violations.

The commission reports that 1,506 cases have been resolved and action is currently being taken on the remaining 206.

Despite the numbers, People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi told The Sunday Morning yesterday (19) that the situation was not serious in relation to the number of candidates running for Local Government bodies.

Stating that the number of incidents reported to PAFFREL was 255, he said most incidents were related to support given by candidates for New Year celebrations. These had been reported from Medaketiya, Tangalle, Beruwala, Moratuwa, Mawathagama, and Kalutara.

However, he stated that an attack on a National People’s Power (NPP) party office in Polpithigama, Kurunegala and an attack on a Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) candidate in Kegalle had been reported.

Out of the 255 incidents reported to PAFFREL, 180 were confirmed, he said. The incidents had been reported from all across the island.

The Local Government Elections are planned to be held on 6 May.