Monitors say polls fair, give thumbs-up to Elections Commissioner

Disna Mudalige

Independent election observation groups which monitored the Eastern, North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council elections noted the polls were conducted in a peaceful, free and fair atmosphere.

People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi commended the Police and the Elections Secretariat for creating conditions for the PC elections to be held in a peaceful and a conducive atmosphere for voters to caste their vote without fear or uncertainty.

He said 85 percent of the election process was covered by PAFFREL using 1,500 field observers and 100 mobile teams. Hettiarachchi said the Police acted efficiently to remove illegal posters and cutouts.

He also commended the Elections Commissioner who worked energetically with his staff to conduct the polls in a free and fair manner .

Hettiarachchi said the Commissioner took immediate steps to control violations of election laws and regulations, while keeping close coordination with political parties and media.

He said 105 complaints were received on election day. Forty four among them were related to violent incidents and 61 were related to election law violation incidents.

Campaign for Free and Fair Elections Executive Director Keerthi Tennakoon said the polls were peaceful except for a few minor incidents.

He said no major incident of election violence was reported in the post poll period.

Tennakoon also commended the role played by the Police and the Elections Commissioner throughout the elections.

He said the weak polls campaign of the Opposition was a noted feature at the elections.

National Polls Observation Centre National Coordinator Rasanga Harischandra said the poll was very peaceful and fair.

He said there were no post - poll violent incidents.

Harischandra said even though certain groups prior to elections day, expressed their concern on the election in the Eastern Province, the Police and the Elections Secretariat could ensure a peaceful, free and fair election in this area.

Meanwhile, Colombo district SLFP organiser M Fawzan Anwer said the people have endorsed the UPFA because of the village level development experienced by the people in reality during the last few years.

He observed critical services such as the education and health are administered mostly by the Provincial Councils, adding that people have been greatly impressed over the rapid improvement in these sectors at the village level.