• The General Secretary of political parties collectively and candidates  individually are responsible to adhere to the limit of expenditure at  polls monitored by the election commission

By Sandun A. Jayasekera 

The cabinet on Monday gave approval to introduce a legislative framework to control election expenditure, Justice Minister and acting cabinet spokesman, Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said yesterday.   

Addressing the weekly post cabinet news briefing, Minister Rajapakshe said most of the ills in the contemporary political system in the country stem from the unrestricted and huge expenditure at Pradeshiya Sabha, Provincial Council, Parliamentary and Presidential polls in the country.   

“In many instances it is quite obvious that the most suitable and qualified individuals who have a genuine desire to serve the country and society are not elected to political office in our country as the money spent at the election campaigns plays a major in electing the candidate. This is the root cause to corruption, mismanagement and inefficiency in all sectors in governance. That is why the government has decided to introduce a piece of legislation to control election expenditure at all election campaigns. Accordingly, the General Secretary of political parties collectively and candidates individually are responsible to adhere to the limit of expenditure at polls monitored by the election commission. Those who violate the law are deemed to lose the political office and serve a prison sentence and pay a fine on conviction,” Minister Rajapakshe stressed.   

Under the proposed law, the candidates and General Secretary of political parties must submit a comprehensive audit to the election commission within three weeks after the conclusion of the election outlining the total cost to the election, monetary donations and other financial contributions for the election campaign.   

Minister Rajapakshe said almost all the countries with parliamentary democracy in the world have introduced similar laws to minimize opportunities for corruption and prevent money, taking the upper hand at elections.