Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya told the political party representatives yesterday he would have a separate police team at future election times to carry out his orders to uphold the election law.

He gave this assurance when he met representatives of political parties which contested the September 21 elections.  Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) representative Sunil Watagala who attended the meeting said the Commissioner spoke of having police personnel under his purview during elections.
Mr. Watagala said the Commissioner could do it in terms of the provisions of the Constitution.  The proposed police team will be deployed to contain election law violations in the run up to future elections. 

The government had announced there would be provincial council elections early next year. 

Mr. Deshapriya also assured that he would work out a separate mechanism address the abuse of state property for electioneering.

The September 21 election saw the abuse of state vehicles, buildings and public servants by using loopholes in election laws.

It was noted that authorities of some state institutions had rented out vehicles to be used by candidates.

“The vehicles have been taken on hire.  They are not registered under the state institution concerned.  But, candidates were using them for campaigning,” Mr. Watagala said. (Kelum Bandara)