‘ AGGRESSIVE CAMPAIGNING LEADS TO ELECTION VIOLENCE’

Aggressive campaigning by candidates for the upcoming provincial council elections has led to an increase in election violence mainly committed by the ruling United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA), observers said.

Election monitors further reported an increase in violation of laws and reported incidents, with the Eastern Province being the most sensitive province of the three.

The Peoples Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) stated the Eastern province had the highest number of reported incidents while the North Central province led the way in the number of reported election law violations.

“There is aggressive campaigning and this has led to violence between parties,” PAFFREL Executive Direc- tor, Rohana Hettiarchchi said. He stated that Akkaraipattu was the worst affected area with inter party violence, between the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) and the National Congress (NC), escalating with elections drawing closer.

Akkaraipattu, Maha Oya and Eravur reported the incidents in the Eastern Province while Dehiattakandiya and Anuradhapura were reported from the North central province, PAFFREL said.

Meanwhile, the Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) stated the misuse of public property had increased as well.

“There has also been an increase in illegal campaigning with posters and cut outs everywhere and the police show a lack of interest in removing them,” CaFFE Executive Director, Keerthi Tennakoon said.