BASL to do its bit for free and fair elections

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has decided to intervene in the upcoming Provincial Council Elections by filing necessary legal action against any election malpractices, the BASL President said yesterday.

BASL President Upul Jayasuriya said yesterday that the BASL would assist the People's Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) as a matter of public interest in filing necessary legal applications which need to be brought before Courts.

When asked about the reasons which led to take such a decision, Mr. Jayasuriya said, as legal professionals, they had a role to play in guaranteeing a free and fair election.

He further said that the constitution of the Bar Association was recently amended enabling to get involved in public interest matters.

“Free and fair elections are one of vital factors of a democratic country. The move is only for the purpose of

As a body of legal professionals, we have an impartial role to play in guaranteeing free and fair elections

ensuring free and fair elections are held in a transparent manner. We have not done this before. We are not supporting any political party as we are apolitical and impartial. We are only trying to make sure a free and fair election,” the BASL President said.

Mr. Jayasuriya further said the PAFFREL observers could submit any charges of election malpractices through Bar Councils of relevant areas.