The island
Transparency International Sri Lanka yesterday said all polls monitors were concerned that the government was showing unprecedented reluctance to comply with the directives and decisions of the Elections Commissioner.
Transparency International Sri Lanka, in a statement issued to the media, said: “All election monitors in the country note with concern that there is unprecedented reluctance on the part of the Government to comply with the directives and decisions of the Elections Commissioner. “Most of the vital guidelines and Circulars issued by the Commissioner for the conduct of a free and fair Presidential Election are followed in the breach.
“While recognising the Commissioner as the sole authority to conduct any Election in the country, the monitors note that he will be totally powerless unless there is genuine cooperation by public officials, the police and the military.
“In the backdrop of a highly politicised public service and police, Transparency International Sri Lanka urged the government to comply with the Election Commissioner’s Instructions to ensure a free and fair poll.