Karu files petition:

Seeks guidelines for free and fair poll

Wasantha Ramanayake

UNP deputy leader and former MP Karu Jayasuriya filed a rights application in the Supreme Court seeking to formulate guidelines and measures to ensure a free and fair election. He complained of rights violations of the petitioner and those of voters by the conduct of the respondent Election Commissioner.

The petitioner has attached a set of guidelines which could be considered in the formulation of the guidelines and measures with regard to the conduct of the General Election.

The petitioner sought interim orders to formulate and publish guidelines within one week. He also asked for an interim order directing the respondents to inform the Court about institutions and persons who refuse to abide by the guidelines issued by the Court.

Petitioner stated the Election Commissioner despite the agreement to use pens to mark votes, allowed to use pencils at the Presidential Election. He also stated that the Election Commissioner has revoked the competent authority appointed to monitor the State media, without taking further steps according to law when these institutions disobeyed the guidelines.

The petitioner also pointed out that the Election Commissioner asked party representatives not to make any more complaints when he found that his orders to remove hoardings were not carried out by the IGP. However, after the conclusion of the election the commissioner had thanked the IGP for assisting him.

The petitioner cited the Election Commissioner and the Attorney General as respondents.