CMEV analysis on misuse of state resources incriminates regional politicians

The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) has reported 42 incidents related to public property misuse as of yesterday. 

A significant factor of this is that these incidents have been reported outstation (Jaffna, Wanni), the CMEV stated. During previous elections, these complaints have been lodged against the state leader and his acquaintances. But this time, they have been lodged against regional politicians. The effect of using this public property is low, but the effect it has on society is direr, the group explained.  

A few days ago, an incident reported to the CMEV was that one of the attendants from the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Children’s Hospital had taken an ambulance to a meeting, which was held at the Kalutara Garden Beach Hotel.  When questioning the hospital, they said that they had sent the ambulance to transport some urgent medicines, the CMEV revealed. 

The necessary laws should be implemented in order to stop this misuse of public property perpetrated by political parties risking the lives of patients. It has been reported to the CMEV that Government vehicles, buildings and official residencies had been used in election activities. 

It is confirmed that 20 vehicles owned by the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council had been used for propaganda activities amidst objections made by the Election Commissioner.

The map below illustrates the misuse of state resources reported to the CMEV on a district basis. 

The CMEV went on to state that the misuse of state resources not only results in losses to the Government and the people, but also deprives the right of every candidate to contest on equal grounds. It is unfair for a set of candidates to use public wealth boundlessly for extensive propaganda activities while another set utilises their personnel belongings and conducts limited propaganda activities. 

It is always clear that the ruling party benefits in campaigning. It is the responsibility of the relevant authorities to prevent the misuse of state resources, in an era where good governance is discussed in a broad basis.