PAFFREL accuses govt. of undermining EC

By Rathindra Kuruwita

A sinister campaign was underway to undermine the Election Commission, Executive Director of People’s Action for Free & Fair Elections (PAFFREL) Rohana Hettiarachchi alleged yesterday.Hettiarachchi accused the government of issuing media releases and carrying out activities that made people doubt whether the Commission was doing enough to hold the local council election in March.

“Some people are now claiming that the commission misuses the deposits placed by political parties and independent groups contesting the election. These are done to make people lose faith in the commission,” he said.

Hettiarachchi said PAFFREL has sent a letter to the commission asking what they have done with the 163 million rupees they have received from those wishing to contest the election.

“The Commission told us that the money has been sent to the treasury. These attempts to undermine the commission will have a negative impact on the long term,” he said.