Decrease in election related incidents - NPOC

The National Polls Observation Centre (NPOC) stated that election related incidents has shown a decrease compared to the last Local Government election. NPOC National Organizer Rasanga Harischandra said so addressing the media at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute yesterday. One hundred and ninety six incidents were reported to the NPOC so far out of which 61 were major and medium level incidents.

NPOC Organizer Rasanga Harishchandra addressing the media. Lakshitha Jayawardena, Athula de Silva and Saman Galappathi are also in the picture. Picture by Nissanka Wijeratne

”The most number of complaints related to election violence were reported from the Galle, Colombo and Kurunegala districts. Two deaths were also reported,” he said.

”However, certain sections are exaggerating incidents apparently with a view to destabilizing the election process,” he said.

”The NPOC would be taking steps to deploy its members in 234 election centres throughout the country on polling day,” Harischandra said.

He said the Local Government election is important. Most voters display a lack of interest in the election. Government institutions at village level should be strengthened. Therefore, people should participate to select representatives in their areas.

”Action should be taken to ensure protection at election centres and there should be no obstacles for voters to exercise their franchise,” he said.

The NPOC requests voters to cast their votes as early as possible.