EC to candidates: Communal harmony, respect for rivals, uphold law and order
Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya has asked candidates of the upcoming Parliamentary polls and their supporters to refrain from any activity, expression or behaviour that could aggravate differences, hatred and tension between religions, languages, races, customs and castes in the country.
his is included in a comprehensive code of conduct issued by him to political par- ties, independent groups and candidates. The Commissioner issued the relevant Gazette this week, in terms of the powers vested in him, under the provisions of the Parliamentary Elections Act. The Code requires candidates and their supporters to limit criticisms of other political parties, their policies, programmes and their past activities, as well as refrain from personal attacks on candidates or from making unsubstantiated allegations.
The Code also requires political parties to ensure that election propaganda is conducted without violating the existing laws and without interfering with the ordinary life of the citizens, while educating all candidates and activists of the laws related to elections, and advise them to refrain from offences, corrupt practices and illegal activities.
Political parties and independent groups have also been asked to hold propaganda meetings without causing any disruption to law and order, while also not disrupting their rivals’ lawful election propaganda activities.
The Code is applicable to the period commencing from the date of notice of nomination till the date of declaration of the result of the election.