93 complaints today, Election not peaceful
A communique issued by the Network for Election Monitoring of the Intellectuals for Human Rights (NEM-IHR) with the signature of its Chief Executive Dr. Uditha Gunasekera states today, the day the election for the Uva PC was held, it received complaints of 93 incidents that include assaults, shooting, intimidation, distribution of goods and money as bribes for voters. NEM-IHR states there were 12 incidents of election related violence, 38 incidents of illegal propaganda, 35 incidents of undue influence or threats and 8 instances of transport of voters illegally.
There was a marked increase in incidents of violence that included shooting, intimidation, assault and threats. At Kaballawela North and Bandarawela Police Station there was a clash between Parliamentarian Arundika Fernando and his group and the Mayor of Bandarawela MC and his group. Three persons, including the Mayor have been admitted to hospital with injuries.
There had been a clash between Minister Lakshman Senevirtna and PC Member Nishantha Manjula at Viyaluwa area in Mahiyanganaya. The shops in the vicinity were damaged and UNP supporters Dushan Chamara Hettiarachchi and Gamini Dissanayaka have been injured and admitted to hospital.
At Athiliwewa in Wellawaya there had been a clash between an armed group and voters in the area. The armed group had fired into the air. At Hali-ela polling station two brothers supporting two different political parties have clashed.
At Katakalla in Badulla a UPFA candidate has assaulted a person called Chandana Geethakumara.
Several complaints have been received that Anura Vidanagamage and a group with poles and clubs terrorized voters at Girandurukotte in Mahiyanganaya.
Western PC Member D.V. Upul and his supporters have attacked UNP chief ministerial candidate Harin Fernando’s father and his group, damaged their vehicles and cut two persons with swords. The two persons injured have been admitted to Diyathalawa Hospital.
The JVP polling agent at Yahalabadda polling station in Haputhale Sunil Shantha has been assaulted by Parliamentarian Uditha Lokubandra and his supporters. Sunil Shantha has been admitted to hospital. Sunil Shantha had opposed Lokubandara’s mother from voting without an identity card.
A voter at No.7 polling station at Viyaluwa has been assaulted and had to be admitted to hospital.
The incidents that occurred today would not directly affect the final results of the election. However, NEM-IHR is of the view that the election was not free and fair due to the use of state power and state resources, deploying state officials in the election campaign of the ruling party and intimidation of the voters.
