Political propaganda on digital screens a no-no says ECSL

Wednesday, 30 October 2024 00:28 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Urges public to report any political content on digital screens to police or ECSL

The Election Commission of Sri Lanka (ECSL) has urged the public to report any display of election propaganda on digital screens in public spaces, such as bus and railway stations, to the nearest police station or the relevant ECSL regional office.

Elections Commissioner General Saman Sri Ratnayake, addressing the media on Monday warned that displaying political promotions on such screens constitutes a violation of election laws.

“Playing election propaganda material on digital screens in public spaces, including bus stations and railway stations, is against election laws, even if the screen owners have been compensated,” Ratnayake stressed. He explained that these laws apply to any political content displayed on public screens, regardless of financial arrangements between advertisers and screen owners.

Ratnayake highlighted that a Supreme Court decision in Emerging Media Ltd. vs ECSL (2019) has reinforced the illegality of such practices, setting a legal precedent. “These screens, which people encounter in their daily routines, should be free from political advertising,” he said, underscoring the potential undue influence of these screens on voters’ perspectives during election periods.

The Commissioner further stressed the ECSL’s commitment to maintaining a fair electoral environment and appealed for public vigilance. Ratnayake emphasised that public cooperation is essential to safeguarding the principles of free and fair elections. He encouraged citizens to report any such propaganda promptly to authorities, helping to ensure an unbiased election atmosphere leading up to the Parliamentary Elections.

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