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Video: SF says his party prevented from campaigning

19 February 2014 02:05 pm - 15     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Democratic Party Leader Sarath Fonseka today complained to the Elections Commissioner that his party had been deprived of the right to engage in election campaigning by not being allowed to obtain venues for election rallies and by security personnel obstructing them.

“We are faced with a serious issue with our candidates having lost the opportunity to conduct their election campaign. Even though we requested permission in advance to obtain venues for election rallies, some heads of local government bodies and provincial councils have purposely disregarded our requests. Even some private venues have been cancelled at the last moment after being influenced by certain groups. We were allocated a venue at Weeraketiya but we received a letter on Tuesday saying approval has been cancelled. So we are deprived of the equal right to contest the elections,” Mr. Fonseka said.

He told journalists after meeting the Elections Commissioner that he should take the responsibility for ensuring the equal right of all the political parties to engage in election campaigning.

“The Elections Commissioner must take steps to ensure that all the political parties get equal rights to campaign. Announcing an election and printing ballot papers was not sufficient. If he cannot do that in his capacity as Elections Commissioner then the people’s aspirations are not fulfilled. Otherwise steps must be taken to provide such powers to the EC,” he said.

Mr. Fonseka said if this situation was not changed, it would prove the allegations of the international community against Sri Lanka over human rights violations and the absence of democracy in the country.

Election commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya had requested all political parties to inform him if they had any issues pertaining to election campaigning and assured he would take steps to ensure equal rights to all political parties. (Sanath Desmond and Ajith Siriwardana)





Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

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  Comments - 15

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  • jim pappa Wednesday, 19 February 2014 02:35 PM

    Never mind the obstructions, sir. Failures are the pillars of success.

    tony Wednesday, 19 February 2014 03:30 PM

    THIS MR DEMOCRACY. SB AND WW ARE WITH HIM TO ENSURE VICTORY BY HOOK OR BY CROOK. MOSTLY BY CROOKED MEANS PROVING TO UNHCR THAT HR IN THIS COUNTRY IS VIOLATED BY THE GOVT

    Ratavasiya Wednesday, 19 February 2014 03:47 PM

    Tigers wanted to destroy you before you finish them, now corrupted politicians wants to stop you before you take political power.

    nimal Wednesday, 19 February 2014 04:04 PM

    JAYA WEWA entire country is with you

    dharmapala Wednesday, 19 February 2014 04:11 PM

    mr fonsaka you have a very good chance to win the election. ruling party is up all short of misuse gov machienary, commissioer of eletion ,please please take action. colliing time government preperd do immoral work. world knew it is a fake election.

    tjay Wednesday, 19 February 2014 10:12 PM

    Never back down boss, peoples leader via DM iPad app

    Azee Thursday, 20 February 2014 07:01 AM

    What sad things are happening in this country under the present rulers! IS THERE NO WAY OUT TO BRING BACK DEMOCRACY TO OUR COUNTRY???. via DM Android App

    UN-Predict Thursday, 20 February 2014 02:38 AM

    Whatever is said and done! Sir, we are with you.

    Nash Thursday, 20 February 2014 02:42 AM

    Good Excuse for losing the election. He will say it is a "Computer Jillmart" for sure after the election.

    Prasanjit Thursday, 20 February 2014 05:53 AM

    OMG! Lot of kalawaddo for you..

    Prasanjit Thursday, 20 February 2014 05:56 AM

    What was his 'failure' ?

    sobers Thursday, 20 February 2014 06:20 AM

    Are you admitting only now that Human rights are violated in this country!

    Nihal Amarasekera Thursday, 20 February 2014 06:31 AM

    I think you should & could win for the betterment of SL

    tom Thursday, 20 February 2014 12:16 PM

    if u didn't talk about SUDU KODI.. u will be our Hero.. Now ur fall to 3rd class politician... MR is the one who save the country... couple of years u would have to stay away from politics... via DM Android App

    sothiyan Thursday, 20 February 2014 08:04 AM

    Don't worry Sir. We are with you. You have been treated badly by this regime.. This regime is making your life so bad. They will pay the debt.


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