Election rules

It is amazing to say that almost 50 applications have been rejected for nominations for the on coming elections based on insignificant matters like spelling mistakes and lack of JP’s signatures. I am made to understand if a person other than the applicant goes along with him and just hands over the file, his name is written as the one handing over the application and the application is rejected as it must be handed over by the applicant himself.

Are we in an intelligent society or what? What are we testing here? The accuracy of writing skills of these politicians? (It is a foregone conclusion that many of them even do not know to sign their names on a checkbook! But that’s besides the point) the applications are being treated like grade five exam papers. If there is a mistake the application is rejected and one cannot re-apply or even correct the application once it is submitted.

Who made these stupid laws? And even the ruling party abides by this? Amazing how the so-called 21st Century society crashes itself into a non-existing hurdle. These are manmade rules and we must move onto make better rules when intelligence demands it.

It is true the leader of the party must check the applications and make sure they are all correct. But if there is a mistake the clerk who is responsible for taking them in must check and point them out. They should be made to correct it or take the forms and get them corrected and be allowed to bring them back.

The election is for selection of the Pradeshiya Sabha members not for writing skills of the clerical workers who fill the forms.

I strongly suggest that the rules, which are a mockery to the intelligence of Sri Lankans, are changed immediately and all those who were rejected on flimsy excuses must fight for their rights - even by going to Courts.

Mareena Thaha Reffai

Dehiwela