All measures for free and fair poll

Irangika RANGE

COLOMBO: The Government will take all possible measures to conduct a free and fair election by providing maximum security and tightening the screws on any election malpractices at the upcoming Sabaragamuwa and North Central Provincial (NCP) Council elections to be held on August 23, IGP Jayantha Wickramarathna said.

He said that Election Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake held discussions with all party representatives and secretaries to assure a free and fair election by eliminating any election violations during the forthcoming NCP and Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council elections. Political parties stressed the need of deploying a sufficient number of security personnel to minimize violations and malpractices.

The IGP assured that the Police will be involved in monitoring activities which will ensure a free and fair election. Police officials have been given proper instructions to take stern action to protect Law and Order in the two provinces.

Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake sought the support of all political parties to conduct a free and fair election.

He said call possible measures have been taken to tighten the screws on election malpractices.

He said eight identification papers including the National ID, Postal ID, driving license, pension identification, train season, Official ID issued by Government Organisations and the Passport will be accepted by the polling stations to be used for voting. If any one claims to have lost one of above forms of identification or for those who possess faded or unrecognisable identity cards, a special ID will be issued, he said.

Those who need the special ID have to apply through the Grama Niladhari of the area. In addition to the Grama Niladhari’s signature, the signature of the Assistant Election Commissioner of that respective district is compulsory for the special ID.

The Election Commissioner assured that this move would be a step forward in minimising malpractices and protecting Law and Order for free and fair Provincial Council elections in the future as well.