Independent candidates used as proxies in elections: Former Election Commissioner

Colombo, August 12 (Daily Mirror) - Many independent candidates are used as proxy candidates for another candidate who was actually contesting the Presidential Election, former Election Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya said.

Addressing the media at Fort, he said that he cannot say anything bad about independent candidates.

"President Ranil Wickremesinghe is contesting Sri Lanka's upcoming Presidential Election as an independent candidate. He has previously held positions such as the incumbent President, former Prime Minister, and former Opposition Leader," he said.

"However, based on our experience, many independent candidates act as proxies for those actually running in the election. It is evident that three or four former MPs with direct ties to a particular party have submitted nominations to support one independent candidate. I am open to any challenge regarding the issue of proxy candidates.

"If they want to change their independent candidacy, they should inform authorities before submitting their nominations. They must present at least 50,000 affidavits, either in person or through an online system, to have their nominations accepted. Imposing a fine of Rs. 5 million is ineffective compared to the cost of holding an election," Deshapriya said.