Polls Chief invites HRCSL to be an election observer
Monday, 16 September 2013 00:21
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By Lakmal Sooriyagoda
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) said yesterday that the commission was functioning as an election observer for the upcoming Provincial Council election following a request by the Election Commissioner.
Human Rights Commissioner Dr. Prathibha Mahanamahewa said the HRCSL is closely monitoring how state officials were following election laws. He said that the Election Commissioner made a request from the Human Rights Commission to get involved in election activities as an observer at a special meeting convened last week.
“We will look into the matters which violate the election laws by state officials. If we receive any complaints in this regard, we will take necessary action,” Dr. Mahanamahewa said.
He further said that the HRCSL had also issued guidelines on relevant ministries directing state officials on how they should discharge their duties during an election.
He further said that election monitoring body PAFFREL had filed three petitions before the HRCSL over the use of state resources for election activities and they were subsequently referred to the Elections Commission as they fell under its mandate.
“Covering 24 hours duty, three regional officers functioning from the Jaffna, Kandy and
Kurunegala offices are currently engaged in election observation activities. The allegations levelled over executive and administrative improprieties will be examined by the Human Rights Commission and relevant recommendations will be issued accordingly. Any complaint regarding election malpractices can be referred to the Human Rights Commission by dialling emergency telephone number1996,” he further said.
