Election Commission stops polls-related public events

The Election Commission has put a halt to a string of public events as they would promote a candidate or political party involved in the upcoming local council elections.

The Commission also has given a ruling that in some instances events could be held without the participation of politicians or without political speeches.

These are among the measures taken to prevent abuse of state property or public funds for election related activities.

Disciplinary action will be taken against Government officers who fail to prevent the use of state property or state funds in a manner promoting a candidate or a political party during the campaign, the Election Commission has warned.

Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya told the Sunday Times that state institutions had been informed of the directive.

"We understand there are attempts by politicians to use various methods such as

distribution of books or agricultural equipment and provide other assistance during the election period to promote a party or a candidate. We have ordered that all these programmes be stopped till February 15," Mr Deshapriya said.

He said that if any attempt was made to use state funds or property for a programme, the respective officer would need to seek advice from the Elections Commission as to whether the programme could be allowed. Failure to do this would result in disciplinary action being taken against the officer.

The new directive has prompted public sector officials to seek advice from the Election Commission whether permission should be granted to go ahead with the events.

The queries included issues on appointments, transfers, conducting of functions, book distribution ceremonies, opening ceremonies, interviews, exhibitions and conducting of mobile services.

The Election Commission's Director General, M.A.L. Ratnayake, said a separate division had been set up to provide advice to public officers.

"One of the criteria on deciding whether a particular programme should be allowed is to see if it has been specially arranged during the election period or whether it has been an annual event," he said.