14 September 2024 12:00 am Views - 139
By Leenah Wahab
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) reported widespread misuse of public property including state-owned grounds, government offices, buildings, and schools.
The National Election Observation Programme inducted by TISL has recorded a distressing 758 complaints, with 343 concerning the mismanagement of public resources for election campaigning as of September 11, 2024. The programme has stationed 177 election observers across the country who, in addition with the public platform ‘apesalli.lk.’ “Following verification, the complaints have been referred to the Election Commission, whose interventions have, in some instances, led to preventative measures,” according to TISL.
“Complaints detail instances where such premises were used without paying the required fees, were reserved for one candidate or political party for extended periods or were adorned with poster and cutouts in blatant violation of election laws,” TISL wrote.
The exploitation of skills, knowledge and working hours of public officials for political propaganda proved the second-highest category of complaints with 117 accounts of misuse. TISL stated that they have received evidence-backed reports of senior officials with limited political rights actively campaigning for political parties or candidates both in person and on social media, in breach of electoral regulations.
TISL has received 45 complaints related to the distribution of food, money and other subsidies, 32 complaints concerning the misuse of state vehicles, 30 complaints about misconduct by election campaign offices, 26 complaints linked to the manipulation of state-sponsored development projects and the distribution of livelihood grants and allowances for campaigning and 26 regarding misuse of public funds to further their political agenda.
The organisation further uncovered seven instances of unwarranted promotion, demotion or transfer of officials during the election period.
District-wise, Kegalle recorded the highest number of complaints with 186. Colombo and Galle followed with 71 and 51 complaints, respectively. Ampara reported the fewest complaints with two, while Kurunegala and Mullaitivu recorded six and seven complaints, respectively.
These reports come in the wake of improper use of government vehicles, including those of the state-owned Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and the Sri Lanka Air Force and unlawful government handouts. As political campaigns continue to bend the rules, the integrity of the electoral hangs in balance, leaving voters questioning their ability to cast their ballots without undue influence.