‘Say no to election violence’

There is no doubt the government will use the police, state property and unlawful acts to win the elections to the Northern, Wayamba and Central Provincial Councils

Voters, civil society groups and political parties must take the lead in preventing election violence, malpractice and the misuse of state property by government candidates for electioneering, retired High Court Judge P.B. Warawewa, who heads

the Kandy District UNP nomination list, said yesterday.

He headed a delegation of eminent persons for a meeting with Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya. Speaking to the media at the Election Secretariat premises, he said a free and fair election was not possible unless the voters stood up for their rights.

“There is no doubt the government will use the police, state property and unlawful acts to win the elections to the Northern, Wayamba and Central Provincial Councils. But we must have the courage to stand up and speak up against wrong doings. Even the Elections Commissioner will be helpless if the police violate election laws. Therefore, it is extremely important that voters, civil society groups and political parties are vigilant about election violence and unlawful acts by candidates and report them to the law enforcement authorities and Elections Commissioner. Even an election petition can be filed based on those complaints,” Mr. Warawewa said.