• Pre-election laws still in effect despite the indefinite postponement of the LG election; PAFFREL
• Raises concerns about political advantage for the ruling parties

 The People's Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has urged the Elections Commission (EC) to address the alleged Government-run political promotion programmes disguised as development projects, occurring while the Local Government (LG) election has been called and the Presidential Election is expected to be announced soon.

In a letter addressed to EC Chairperson R.M.A.L. Ratnayake, PAFFREL Executive Director, Rohana Hettiarachchi pointed out that even though the LG election has been postponed indefinitely, the election has not been cancelled, meaning that the pre-election laws are still in effect.

He also highlighted that political parties and candidates could gain unfair advantage from the planned implementation of development projects by the political authorities, especially in the context of the upcoming Presidential Election, which, according to the Constitution, could be announced in August this year (2024).

He highlighted a circular bearing number MF/02/2023 allegedly issued by the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policies, instructing District Secretaries to finalise all development projects slated for completion in 2024 under the Decentralised Budget Programme 2024 by 31 July. Hettiarachchi claimed that the circular suggests that projects initially planned to be completed over a year are now to be completed within seven months, which would allow the ruling party to claim credit for the projects ahead of the expected Presidential Election announcement in August.

Hettiarachchi also notified the EC about another circular bearing number PS/FID/ID/Circular/1/2024 issued by the Presidential Secretariat under the theme of 'Kandukara Dashakaya' - Integrated Rural Development Programme 2024-2033. He said that the circular stipulates that project proposals pertaining to the segment of the ten-year development plan relevant to 2024 must be submitted to the Presidential Secretariat by 10 March for approval, with all such development activities to be completed by 31 July. "This timeline provides just four months to obtain approval, allocate funds, and complete the projects. Given this tight schedule, there could be issues regarding the quality and effectiveness of these projects," he warned.

In the letter, PAFFREL drew the Election Commissions attention to Government’s current subsidy programmes, such as the distribution of rice, land, housing, and employment applications, noting how politicians are actively participating in these initiatives. He said that it seems such activities are also aimed at upcoming elections. He added that while they have no objection to the implementation of welfare programmes, especially in times of hardship faced by the people, or to the execution of development projects funded through budgetary allocations based on Government policies, they oppose the planning of such programmes in a way to promote political parties and candidates.

Hettiarachchi has accordingly requested the EC that attention be given to these issues and that steps be taken to prevent the political use of state power and resources, as well as the promotion of political parties and politicians through these programmes.

Ratnayake and the Cabinet Spokesperson were not available for comment regarding the matter.