SJB raises concerns over Govt interference in the electoral process
The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has brought to the attention of the National Election Commission the alleged use of state resources for indirect election campaigning by the incumbent government.
In a letter addressed to the Election Commission, the SJB pointed out that the President was scheduled to attend a workshop organized for the Police on July 13. The SJB said that instructions had been received for 15 members representing every community Police unit in the area to participate in the event.
The Opposition Party emphasized that the President’s participation as a speaker at this event which will be attended by top-ranking Police officials is in fact an election campaign meeting, where state resources are utilized.
The SJB further revealed that information has also been received that the Cabinet of Ministers has approved a special allowance for employees of the Department of Government Printing.
The party also pointed out that there were attempts to relocate the Government Printer, the institute in charge of printing ballot papers for the election, stating that this was a clear attempt to interfere in the electoral process, by creating confusion amongst employees of the department.
Thereby, the SJB called on the Election Commission to intervene and prevent such actions by the government.