LEGISLATION ON ELECTION EXPENDITURE BEFORE UPCOMING LG POLLS
Based on a proposal made by President Maithripala Sirisena to the Cabinet on Monday, legislation to control election expenditure on Local, Provincial Councils, Parliamentary and Presidential elections will be introduced before the January local government polls.
Ports and Shipping Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe told the media that the Cabinet memo submitted by President Sirisena was unanimously approved by the ministers.
He said the proposal, after being confirmed at the next Cabinet meeting, would be referred to the Legal Draftsman.
“Our intention is to bring this piece of legislation before the January local government polls. We wish to present it in Parliament by December. I do not think any party would oppose this as the laws to restrict election expenditure have been floating among political parties, the public and candidates since 2012,” Minister Samarasinghe said.
He said political parties and candidates needed to follow a set procedure on election expenditure if a free and fair election were to be held.
“Those who have financial clout have exploited it to the maximum
Our intention is to bring this piece of legislation before the January local government polls. We wish to present it in Parliament by December. I do not think any party would oppose this as the laws to restrict election expenditure have been floating among political parties, the public and candidates since 2012
and distorted the wishes of voters. Misuse of money as an inducement has a long history and certain political parties and candidates have used it for their advantage. They lavishly give away money, household appliances, liquor, food and other gratuities to attract votes. However, the new amendments to the electoral system will be applied to aforesaid polls accompanied with punitive measures on those who violate the law. Both political parties and candidates are required to submit a report on each of their expenses at an election. The law enforcement authority on the new legislative arrangements will have power to closely monitor their expenses and also to inspect any premises if required. The Elections Commission, political parties, public and any other stakeholder will be consulted in drafting the laws,” Minister Samarasinghe said.
The minister also said the Indian Elections Commission had the authority to take appropriate action against those who violate the law as far as election expenses were concerned.
“The best example is of the late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Jayaram Jayalalitha, who was put behind bars for violating election laws,” he said. “President Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe are keen in introducing these proposals in order to create a level playing ground for every election. With the Preferential Voting System, election campaigns become a furious battle among political opponents, with those who have money taking the upper hand.