Opinion

Code of conduct to restore the dignity of Parliament - EDITORIAL

19 Jul 2015 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

n this era of democracy, the freedom of expression and free media, when a thousand flowers are blooming, more than ever before, the sovereign people are checking on the qualities and qualifications of candidates for the August 17 General Election.
Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya, effectively implementing the new powers given to him by the 19th Amendment, told a media conference last week, he had asked polls officials “to shoot” candidates and their supporters. When a surprised journalist asked the Commissioner what he meant, he said he had told officials to shoot their cameras and obtain video evidence of election violence or violations of election laws. Mr. Deshapriya said he believes this was more effective than shooting rubber bullets, tear gas or water cannons.
Deputy Inspector General Roshan Dias said over the weekend that the Police would this week file 37 cases, some of them supported by video evidence, against those who allegedly violated election laws after handing over nominations. He said the cases would include charges of conducting processions soon after the nominations, pasting posters, putting up cutouts and election-related violence. Thankfully, the police during this election campaign are carrying out their duties with independence to ensure a free and fair election. This is the first time the police are making use of video and photographic evidence to support their cases.

Meanwhile, Police Chief N.K. Illangakoon giving personal leadership for the maintenance of law and order during the campaign - will visit every province to brief police election officers on how they should act to maintain good governance and also take action against candidates or supporters found to be violating election laws, irrespective of their parties or positions. The Police Chief gave a briefing to officers of the Sabaragamuwa Province on Friday and in the Uva province on Saturday.
In another move to ensure a clean and transparent polls campaign, the Elections Commissioner will this week also issue a gazette notification laying down a code of conduct for candidates. Such a code of ethics and conduct was one of the promises to be implemented as a law by the Yahapalanaya Government but political turmoil and uncertainty over which way the MPs would vote had blocked this Bill. Now the Elections Commissioner has issued a gazette notification for a code of conduct, but it will be non-binding.

In terms of this new code of ethics, candidates will be required to refrain from inviting voters or public officials as groups to their residence to entertain them. They are also being asked not to make false allegations about rival parties and their activities. The code has been approved by all political parties and a meeting to finalise it will take place today, after which it will be gazetted. The code restricts the use of propaganda material that harms the environment, prohibits candidates from making promises of financial assistance, laying of foundation stones for projects during the election period and promising appointments. Though it is nonbinding, this is the first time such a code of ethic is being gazetted and we hope all parties will honour it in the aftermath of the worst-ever abuse of election laws in 2010 and what many people see as the most corrupt Parliament since independence. The candidates, their supporters and the sovereign people have a major role to play in restoring the dignity of the once august supreme legislative body of the people and we hope they will not fail in their responsibility.

At a meeting with party leaders last Thursday, the Elections Commissioner explained to them the proposed ethics-based code of conduct. The code also urges the candidates to refrain from making statements that aggravate hate or tension among communities. It also calls on candidates not to abuse public funds, property or state resources for election propaganda activities.
With this code, other measures to ensure fair elections and more media freedom than we ever had since the press takeover in 1973, we hope this General Election will be a turning point for democracy, good governance and that the dignity of Parliament will be restored.

Opinion

Code of conduct to restore the dignity of Parliament - EDITORIAL

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