EC directs Police to remove stickers of candidates

• Election-related complaints exceed 2,000

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya  

The Election Commission has instructed the Police to remove stickers pasted on private vehicles including private buses and three-wheelers promoting presidential candidates or political parties.

It said it had received complaints on the display of stickers, slogans, signs and photographs on vehicles including buses and three-wheelers to promote any of the presidential candidates in contravention of election laws following the declaration of the presidential election.   

“Any such act is an offence under Section 74 of the Presidential Elections Act, No.15 of 1981, and therefore action should be taken forthwith to remove stickers pasted on private buses, three wheelers and other private vehicles, if any,” the EC said. 

They said instructions have already been issued to the respective DIGs and the Police Officers in-charge of the Divisions and through them the Officers in-charge of Police Stations to conduct random search patrols covering all divisions to remove aforesaid stickers.  

Meanwhile, the Commission said that a total of 2,024 complaints were received as of Monday (28) from October 8 regarding election law violations and violent activities.  

According to the Commission, 1,385 incidents related to the election law violations were reported to the District Election Complaint Management Centres while 629 cases were received to the National Election Complaint Management Centre.