Sri Lankan authorities must ensure people can vote without fear: Amnesty International
Thursday, 8 January 2015 01:34
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London: Amidst reports of election violence and anticipated voter intimidation at today’s presidential election, the global human right group Amnesty International has asked Sri Lankan authorities to ensure that people’s right to political participation is respected.
“The growing harassment and violence against those campaigning in the coming elections is deeply troubling – the authorities have a responsibility to ensure that all people in Sri Lanka can exercise their rights to political participation and freedom of expression without facing threats or violence, and that on election day they can vote without fear,” said David Griffiths, Amnesty International’s Deputy Asia Pacific Director.
The right group also echoed the concerns of the local election watchdogs that the deployment of military by the Government, especially in the north, may adversely impact the voter turnout.
“Reports of a potential organised plan to obstruct voters on election day – allegedly orchestrated by the Government through the military – is also a matter of grave concern,” Amnesty International said.
Opposition leaders have also accused the Government of planning to use the military to block people from voting in several regions across the country.
Campaigning for the presidential elections has been marked by intimidation and violence, targeting mainly Opposition supporters. Local poll monitor, the Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) said that at the end of campaigning it has documented a total of 420 incidents, with 237 major incidents including dozens of cases of assaults, intimidation or damage to property.
Ahead of the election, Amnesty International has published a human rights agenda outlining seven key issues the next administration should prioritise. These include the repeal of the 18th Constitutional Amendment and the repressive Prevention of Terrorism Act; removing restrictions on freedom of expression and association; and ending attacks on religious minorities.
“More than five years after the conflict’s end, human rights violations are still endemic in Sri Lanka. The new administration should make a priority of tackling entrenched concerns – the elections are a chance that must not be missed to turn the corner on human rights,” said Griffiths.
