The
Centre for monitoring Free and Fair Elections and Democratic Rights
(MENIKE) has expressed its deepest concern over the escalation of
election related incidents in a number of areas. This statement was
issued in Sri Lanka on 7 January 2010.
The
Centre for monitoring Free and Fair Elections and Democratic Rights
(MENIKE) has expressed its deepest concern over the escalation of
election related incidents in a number of areas. This statement was
issued in Sri Lanka on 7 January 2010.

Our
investigations show that most incidents are exaggerated to accuse the
opposite group or party. The most serious concern of ours is about the
self created incidents which are being reported mainly in the
electronic media. 

We have noted that election laws are being
openly violated by organizing processions and demonstrations. In terms
of section 69 (a) of the Presidential Election Act No. 15 of 1981,
conducting, holding and taking part in any political procession at any
time during the period commencing on the day of the nomination and
ending one week after the date on which the result of the poll taken at
such election is declared, is an offence triable before a Magistrate
Court. Hence we urge the Election Commissioner to take immediate steps
to enlighten the secretaries of all political parties in this regard
and request them to refrain from holding processions in contravention
of the Presidential Election law. 

Display of cut-outs of party
leaders is another violation of the law. We request secretaries of all
political parties to remove all displayed cut-outs forthwith
in accordance with section 74 (1) of Presidential Election Act.  

The
other is a more serious matter where some election propaganda offices
are reported to have been set fire by the very people who have put up
those offices in order to cast the blame on the rival political party.
In these circumstances we earnestly urge the police to hold independent
investigations to bring the culprits within the framework of the law.