Minor incidents but polls peaceful

By Leon Berenger-2018-02-11

Over 350 polls-related violations and other incidents were reported during voting at yesterday's Local Government elections, but independent monitors at the same time said that the polls was concluded in a peaceful atmosphere with zero bloodletting and serious cases of violence.

They said that 145 incidents were reported yesterday but the bulk of it was of a minor nature adding that the Police acted swiftly and efficiently to ensure a peaceful poll throughout the day.

In addition to that, the Elections Commission had also received a total of 665 complaints during the entire campaign period but nearly 90 per cent of it was of a minor nature, they added.

The incidents included intimidation, verbal abuse, and harassment of female candidates, the pasting of posters and the display of election propaganda material in public places, both direct and indirect bribing and other offences, Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, Co-Convener of the Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) said.

He added that violence was at the very lowest when compared with previous elections simply because the new mixed system stamped out intra-party rivalry to a large extent. He also praised the Police and officials from the Elections Commission Office for implementing the laws right down to the wire thereby preventing fraud and other violations.

He added that in previous elections huge numbers opted to stay at home and refrain from voting largely owing to the environment of fear that prevailed at that time but this was not the case at yesterday's polls.

He further said that a similar system should also be used in future elections at whatever level.
Meanwhile, Rohana Hettiaarachchi with the People's Action for Free and Fair Elections said it had received complaints on 211 incidents that took place yesterday.

Hettiarachchi said that 10 incidents of grievous assault were also reported from various parts of the country.

The incidents included 24 acts of violence of which 20 were confirmed.

He added that they had also received two unconfirmed reports on the misuse of State property.
65 instances of voter intimidation were also reported during this same period.

Candidate in bribe charge on the mat

A candidate who contested yesterday's election from the Moneragala District is on the radar of election monitors after he is alleged to have provided funds for 45 electricity and 55 water connections to homes in the area.

He is also alleged to have distributed Rs 100,000 each to 25 village organizations for various projects in the villages.

"We are treating this as a bribe and the matter will be taken up with the Elections Commission Office if this particular individual secures a seat at the Local Council," they said.