Staggering cost of advertising contributing to violence
Four leading NGOs that stand for the cause of good governance and a free and fair election said that the excessive spending on advertising by Presidential candidates, the two main candidates in particular, that had topped the Rs. 350 million mark even by January 10, has contributed to the escalation of election violence and malpractices in the country.
A media briefing jointly organized by Transparency International, Sri Lanka (TISL), CMEV, PAFFREL and CaFFE at the Organization of Professional Association auditorium yesterday was told that the two main candidates vying for the post of President had spent nearly 1 billion each for their propaganda work by January 23; the day campaigning for the Presidential election came to an end.
Senior human rights lawyer, J.C. Weliamuna of the TISL said that though the non disclosure of sources of financing political party propaganda was raised earlier, no response was received by TISL and the huge sums of money spent on the political party campaigning raises concern about their sources, both in terms of possible use of public money and as a matter of transparency in the interest of the public.
The Rs.350 million spent by the two main candidates for the Presidency only covers the cost of publishing, broadcasting or televised advertisements in print and electronic media excluding the cost of production. Thus the actual cost could be much higher given the high quality of the advertisement produced for the campaign,” he said.
From December 31, 2009 to January 15, 2010 the cost of General Fonseka’s campaign has increased from Rs. 7, 054,000 to nearly Rs. 80 million marking a staggering increase. Even more stupendous is the fact that from December 3, 2009 to January 15, 2010 the cost of the campaign of the UPFA and Tharunyata Hetak together increased from Rs. 200 Million to nearly Rs. 378 Million. These staggering amounts spent by the political parities raise two principal questions, they are whether the parties themselves are financing these massive advertising campaigns and if so what are the sources of their income? If not who is financing these advertisement campaigns, Mr. Weliamuna asked.
The TISL head said that the Elections Commissioner had assured them that he would take all possible steps to conduct a free and fair election and they were satisfied with the pledge. “He has done a good job in a highly volatile situation. However, if we want to hold a free and fair election then the entire system should be changed and electoral reforms introduced,” stressed.
Dr. Pakiyasothi Saravanamuttu of CMEV said that this Presidential election has had many drawbacks and touting by the main candidates. “The blatant violation of election laws is visible everywhere. It is the responsibility of all citizens, civic groups and those who value democracy to strengthen the rule of law and help democracy to prosper,” Dr. Saravanamuttu emphasized.
Executive Director of PAFFREL, Rohana Hettiarachchi said the responsibility to hold a free and fair election rests mainly with the voters of this country and party activists. “It is the bounden duty of all not to violate election laws and help law enforcement authorities to maintain law and order,” he said. Some 319,000 temporary ID cards in 19 districts had been issued by January 23 in addition to 179,000 issued during the PC polls. Those who had not been delivered poll cards must get them from their respective post offices after producing proper identification, he said. He appealed to the voters to cast their votes early tomorrow, return home and engage in their usual businesses thereafter.
Mr. S.G.Punchihewa and Chulawansa Srilal also spoke.