The Election Commissioner says that civilian groups will be appointed to each police division where polls will be taking place to monitor violation of election laws. Elections Chief Mahinda Deshapriya announced that the total number of registered for polls to the Western and Southern Provincial Councils is Five million 898 thousand 427.\
Mr. Deshapriya said that they have set up complaints centres at District Secretariats. There is also a complaints centre at the main office. But the task of penalizing culprits for offences is vested with the judiciary. There are some for which the Elections Secretariat can take action. The Elections Chief has the power to take action against the use of public property. Putting up cutouts, banners and posters are prohibited under the election laws. A civil officer will be appointed to each and every Police Division in the two Provinces where the elections will be held to monitor such illegal activities and report to the Police. He called on election monitors to report to him if there are any such complaints. He also called on the media to intimate to them such complaints. He made a fervent appeal to write to him as to what they think the Elections Chief should do and also what he should not do.
The Elections Commissioner was addressing a news conference held at the Elections Secretariat today. Further addressing newsmen, Mr. Deshapriya pointed out that around 200 Government officials will be deployed within the two Province on election duty. Around 1200 million rupees will be spent on the elections. The highest expenditure will be incurred on electricity. The Elections Commissioner revealed that the Government will be spending an average of about 200 rupees on each voter. Transparent ballot boxes will be used at this poll. The Elections Chief asserted that the National Identity Card and the Birth Certificate should be forwarded to prevent the inclusion of fake names in the nominations list. He mentioned that it should not include outside names or letters. Nominations for the polls will be entertained from the tomorrow until the 06th of next month.
The Elections Chief said that deposits are now being accepted during working hours until the 5th of next month. The elections will be held based on the administrative districts. He said they only accept nominations and will not reject them. But based on the provisions of the Act nominations which not be handed over will be rejected. He added that nominations will be rejected if there are flaws.
Post a Comment