‘Last chance’ politicians are no longer with the people: poll chief

(October 08, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The 'last chance' politicians are no longer with the public. Today candidates are chosen for their money, physical strength or personal beauty. They don't have any other qualifications. The party hierarchy too chooses persons who can take their party to victory. The whole political system must change, says Dayananda Dissanayake, Elections Commissioner.He was making these observations at a press briefing to create an awareness among the media on the upcoming Southern Provincial Council elections.

The polls chief said that earlier, leaders of the village were elected to the Village Council. In time, they had become Chairmen of the councils and had gone on to become members of parliament.

“Therefore, mature people entered parliament in the past.

“Who are the people today. Either they have money, physical strength or personal beauty. They don't have other qualifications. The party hierarchy too selected people who can take the party to victory,” he said.

“Are the people who spent lavishly in the Southern Provincial Council poll with the people today? One person threw 500-rupee notes saying 'Last Chance'. Are they with the people today, This political system must change,” the polls chief said.

Commenting on the manner the campaigning is being carried on, he said that the majority of posters, banners and cut outs put up for the Southern Provincial Council polls had been removed. However, they had not been removed in two police divisions. If they were not removed, the poll in those areas would be cancelled, the Elections Commissioner said.

“The police in those areas will have to take the responsibility for that,” the polls chief warned.

“Election laws will be strictly implemented during the election process. No one can gather within 500 metres radius of the polling station. One cannot campaign in that area either. I have given instructions in this regard. Heads of polling stations have the jurisdiction. If any prohibited activity takes place there, they can nullify the poll in that area,” Mr. Dissanayake said.

“We will be closely monitoring the poll and will also ensure that privacy is maintained during voting,” he said.

He also cautioned ministers not to hang around counting centres claiming that they were ministers.

“Ministers should not hang around fences of counting centres if they are not permitted to do so,” he said.

-Sri Lanka Guardian