The Govt. is deliberately holding back the mandatory appointment of the Commissions under the 17th amendment of the Constitution to enable it to indulge in manipulation and deception of election processes, he added. If the Elections Commission, the Police Commission and others were duly appointed, the Govt. malpractices can be challenged lawfully, but now, the Elections Commissioner too is powerless to take up elections petitions. Right now, even before the nominations have been handed over, prospective UNP candidates are being threatened. The Police have been instructed to search for information to frame up charges against the candidates and UNP politicos. Sannasgala , the prospective UNP candidate for the Sabaragamuwa Province was discouraged by such an intimidation. Indeed, the Kandy Police higher ups have also been told to somehow try and bring some accusation against the UNP M.P. Lakshman Kiriella .
This is the political culture of this Government. Winning elections by cheating and intimidation. Seeking cheap publicity while being parasitic on the people, and flagrantly violating the rule of law and engaging in corrupt practices in its ruthless greed for power.
Instead of wasting people’s funds on misplaced and mistimed elections only to suit the Govt.’s dastardly self serving objectives at a time when people are starving and asking economic relief, not elections, why is the Govt. fearing to hold Provincial Council elections at one time across the entire country or go for a General election as has been the practice of all Democratic Govts.? He argued.
- Sri Lanka Guardian
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