Political parties urged to refrain from using children in canvassing

Colombo, September 11 (Daily Mirror)-  As the election season heats up, the involvement of children in political campaigns has sparked serious concerns with election monitors calling for an end to such activities.

According to Manjula Gajanayake, Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies (IRES), videos and photos are circulating on social media where minors are canvassing for political parties.

Hence, the election monitors urge political parties to refrain from involving children in their canvassing.

Commenting on the matter, Commissioner General of Elections, Saman Sri Ratnayake said the Commission has also received multiple complaints of such incidents.

“The National Child Protection Authority should play a critical role in addressing these concerns,” Ratnayake noted.