Bar Association intervenes to ensure free and fair polls
Monday, 29 July 2013 00:00
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By Lakmal Sooriyagoda
The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has decided to take part in the upcoming Provincial Council elections by filing necessary legal action against election malpractices.
BASL President Upul Jayasuriya said yesterday that the BASL would assist the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) as a matter of public interest in filing necessary legal applications which need to be brought before courts.
When asked about the reasons which led to the association to take such a decision, Jayasuriya said that as legal professionals, they have a role to play in guaranteeing a free and fair election. He further said that the constitution of the Bar Association was recently amended, enabling them to get involved in public interest matters.
“A free and fair election is one of vital factors of a democratic country. It is only for the purpose of ensuring a free and fair election to be held in a transparent manner. We have not done this before. We are not supporting any political party as we are apolitical. We are only trying to make sure a free and fair election is held,” the BASL President said.
Jayasuriya further said that the PAFFREL observers could bring election malpractices to notice through the respective bars in relevant areas. “Then we will assist them in bringing the issue to the notice of the courts through necessary applications,” he said.
