While claiming that the Elections Commissioner should be vested with more powers to take actions on election related malpractices, the Transparency International Sri Lanka recommended today that an Elections Judge should be appointed to investigate into election violations and malpractices with focus on misuse of public properties.

“Presently, only the Attorney General can go to courts on the misuse of public properties. This should be revised. Therefore an Election Judge should be appointed to investigate into election law violations, malpractices and misuse of public properties,” Executive Director S. Ranuuge told a news conference today.

He also said the Elections Commissioner should be vested with more power as presently he was not powerful enough to take action against election malpractices.

“He should also have the power to recover the cost of abuse from errant candidates and political parties immediately,” he said.
 
Along with these recommendations, the TISL also suggested that 14 recommendations be implemented for a ‘Free and Fair Election’ in the country. (Lahiru Pothmulla) - (Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana)