Government urged not to use flyover for electioneering purposes

Transparency International Sri Lanka’s?(TISL)?election?observation arm the Program for the?Protection?of Public Resources (PPPR)?calls?on the Government to ensure that the opening of the?Rajagiriya?Flyover is carried out in compliance with regulations issued by the Elections Commission of Sri Lanka?to ensure?that?development?projects are not used for?electioneering purposes.

If the?Rajagiriya?flyover is to be opened ahead of the February 10 local government elections, it should be done without the participation of politicians to remain in compliance with the Commission’s regulations, Transparency International Sri Lanka said.

Circular No. LAE/2018/4B issued by the Elections Commission of Sri Lanka?on 28th?November 2017?as?per provisions of Article 104 of the Constitution, states clearly that?”the state should refrain from holding events such as festivals, exhibitions and opening ceremonies, which are paid for with state funds,?as such events have been used during past elections by politicians?to voice their political opinions?possibly causing grievance to some candidates while promoting others”.

The PPPR?fears that the opening of the?Rajagiriya?Flyover could be used in similar fashion as a platform to canvass votes and calls on the competent authorities to?take?measures?which?ensure?expeditious delivery of vital infrastructure, whilst?ensuring compliance with election laws.?Circular No. LAE/2018/4B has been copied to the relevant law enforcement authorities including the Inspector General of Police. The PPPR?encourages the police to act in accordance with this circular and strictly enforce election laws.

The PPPR?wishes to re-iterate that the opening of the flyover can proceed prior to the election?without the participation of politicians or representatives of political parties as this would be in compliance with the regulations set forth by the Elections Commission.?TISL?also calls on the public to be mindful during the election period and not to condone activities which are in violation of election laws.?Incidents of misuse of public property during the election period can be reported to the PPPR on 071 135 0990 and via e-mail to?pppr@tisrilanka.org. (Colombo Gazette)