Election watchdog concerned as polls-related complaints mount

Colombo, August 22 (Daily Mirror) -  The Election Commission and election monitors have flagged concerns over the rising polls-related complaints which have now surpassed the 700 mark.

A top source from the election commission told Daily Mirror that the commission is contemplating holding discussions with pertinent stakeholders to avert violence as the election is getting nearer.

According to the Election Commission, a total of 771 complaints related to the upcoming Presidential election have been received by the Election Commission as of Monday’s evening.

The Commission said that the complaints were received during the period from July 31 to August 20.

Out of the 771 complaints, the National Centre for Election Complaint Management received 388, while the District Centres for Election Complaint Management received 383.

All complaints are categorized as breaches of laws, with one incident of violence being reported.

Meanwhile, the People's Action for Free & Fair Elections (PAFFREL) announced that it has received a total 145 complaints related to election law violations.

According to PAFFREL's Executive Director, Rohana Hettiarachchi, seven incidents of violence have been recorded with one incident of hospitalization.