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Parties should publicize their election manifestos well in advance: PAFFREL

30 April 2024 01:14 am - 8     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Colombo, April 29 (Daily Mirror) - The political parties should publicize their election manifestos well in advance of any election, be it a Presidential or Parliamentary poll, to create a better and responsible political culture in the country, the Peoples' Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) said. 

What is actually happening in Sri Lanka right now is that the political parties present their policy statements merely a month or so in advance of an election. Thus, the public will get no chance to build a fruitful discussion on them, the polls observer said.

Executive Director PAFFREL Rohana Hettiarachchi made these remarks while addressing a programme held in Colombo to raise awareness on creating a responsible political culture by encouraging political parties to present responsible and timely policy statements.

PAFFREL summoned representatives from political parties, civil society organisations, state sector officials as well as representatives from the media for a public discussion. A range of obstacles were identified and discussions were held on how and why political parties in Sri Lanka have failed to present a credible and realistic election manifesto throughout history. 
The manifestos should be presented at least six months prior to any election, but what is happening right now is publicizing them even after the nominations have been handed out, Hettiarachchi said.
 
Parliamentarians Dallas Alahapperuma, Prof. Charitha Herath, Prof. Tissa Vitharana and several others were present.

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  Comments - 8

  • WE CAN ONLY HOPE THAT SANITY AND KNOWLEDGE WILL SE OUR MAJORITY VOTE WITHOUT BEING DUPED BY THE TIME A FOOT IS PUT FORWARD, IT TAKES US 10 STEPS BACKWARDS. Tuesday, 30 April 2024 01:30 AM

    NOTHING NEW, OUR COUNTRY ALWAYS HANGS CARROTS IN FRONT OF THE VOTERS TO CONFUSE SOME, DUPE OTHER AND THE LIST CAN GO ON. IN OTHER COUNTRIES MANIFESTO'S ARE GIVEN TO THE PEOPLE WELL IN ADVANCE AND CANVASSING STARTS WITH OVETERS KNOWING WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE CANDIDATES AND CAN VOTE WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN THEY VOTE FOR A CANDIDATE, BUT HERE CARROTS ARE HUNGS FOX TRYING TO CATCH A CROW AND IN THE PROCESS PROMISES THAT COULD NEVER BE KEPT ARE MADE, PALMS ARE OILED, ARRACK GIVEAWAYS AND FREE TRANSPORT TO THE VOTING BOOTHS. MOST OF US WHO KNOW FIRSTHAND HOW OUR POLITICAL SYSTEM WORKS MAY NOT EVEN BE AROUND IN 25 YRS, THE NEXT GENERATION WILL HAVE TO CARRY THE WEIGHT AND STRUGGLES.

    Jabilo Tuesday, 30 April 2024 04:10 AM

    No policies.

    Steve Tuesday, 30 April 2024 05:03 AM

    First declare the election.

    Jude Tuesday, 30 April 2024 05:39 AM

    Hey PAFFREL, PARTIES DON'T Have to follow your orders, you can dance according to the people who's funding you!! PAFFREL HAVE become very biased NGO, it's Not Good for NPP.

    Troika Wednesday, 01 May 2024 11:35 AM

    So only the pro NPP people

    Sambo Tuesday, 30 April 2024 07:56 AM

    There is no political culture in this country but but political vulture. The parliament is a very good example of how they behave.

    Raj Tuesday, 30 April 2024 10:46 AM

    Also ask them to publish assets and liabilities of the candidates before any election. If anyone does not publish or gives false information, start a vigorous campaign not to vote for them!

    Sambo Wednesday, 01 May 2024 09:41 AM

    Also every candidate should reveal his/her wealth before contesting. They come in as beggars but in one year they become millionaires, probably they receive a "Manick Malla"

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