Press Releases

Presidential Election 2010: Media Communiqué No. 2

Press Releases /

3 January 2010, Colombo, Sri Lanka: CMEV notes with concern the escalation of violence in the Presidential Election. CMEV has received reports of 4 Major Incidents of election related violence on 3 January. Instances of the use of fire arms have gone up to 16. CMEV highlights the most recent two incidents in this press release, including the clash between UPFA and NDF Supporters in Kiribathgoda. Download the press release as a PDF here.

Presidential Election 2010: Media Communiqué No. 2 Read More »

Presidential Election 2010: Media Communiqué No. 1

Press Releases /

2 January, 2010 Colombo Sri Lanka CMEV is deeply concerned by the escalation of violence and the violation of election laws. Profile of Violence Since the gazette notification for the Presidential Election issued on 23rd November 2009 up to 01st January 2010, CMEV has recorded a confirmed cumulative total of 103 incidents of election related violence. According to CMEV reports, 44 incidents have been categorized as Major out of which 16 incidents are of Assault, 13 are of Threat and Intimidation, 8 of Grievous Hurt, 5 incidents of Hurt and 2 cases of the Misuse of State Resources. The total number of incidents involving the use of firearms is 16. In addition, 59 incidents have been categorized as Minor. Out of 44 Major incidents, 29 incidents have been reported against the ruling UPFA – this being the highest number reported against any one party. Of the total figure of 103 incidents, the UNP had been accused as the perpetrator in 5 incidents and the JVP in 3. Incidents of violence are increasingly being reported from the North Western, North Central and Southern provinces. Sixty (60) incidents out of a total of 103 incidents have been reported from these three provinces. CMEV reiterates its concerns regarding the violations of election laws mainly by the ruling alliance, with illegal posters and cut-outs in public places in all of the main towns and cities and inside the premises of Government Offices. We urge the Election Commissioner to direct the Police as well as heads of government offices to act on his directives and ensure the proper implementation of election laws without any bias. In this context, we underscore the key responsibility of the Police to take immediate and strong action against political parties that violate election laws. CMEV notes that the Election Commissioner has not yet taken steps appoint a Competent Authority as provided for in the Seventeenth Amendment in respect of certain named state media institutions. The Commissioner has identified an individual to monitor media bias but has not appointed anyone as a Competent Authority vested with the powers that appointment entails. CMEV strongly urges the Election Commissioner to immediately appoint a Competent Authority. CMEV draws particular attention to the powers vested in the Election Commissioner by the Seventeenth Amendment to the Constitution and in judgements of the Supreme Court.  We are of the firm belief that the fullest use of these powers is the best available means for the protection of the integrity of the electoral process and urges the Commissioner to act accordingly.  The public enumeration of these powers alone is no substitute for the effective exercise and implementation of them in this election in which issues of constitutionality, respect for the Rule of Law and democratic governance are being especially highlighted as being under challenge. In this context we welcome the action taken by the Commissioner in halting the transfer of Superintendent of Police J.R. Jayawardane to Killinochchi from Ampara, a course of action strongly urged by CMEV in communication with the Commissioner. CMEV notes with concern the upward trend in election related violence and calls upon all concerned especially the Election Commissioner and his officials, the Police and political parties to take all necessary steps to deter such violence and to deal with those who are responsible for it. We call on all presidential candidates to reiterate their commitment to eradicate political violence and malpractice in word and in deed. CMEV’s experience with multiple elections confirms that the areas of violence on Election Day tend to coincide with the areas which experienced election related violence during the campaign. For the full press release and a sampling of incidents of violence recorded by CMEV as of 2nd January 2010, please download the PDF here.

Presidential Election 2010: Media Communiqué No. 1 Read More »

Presidential Election 2010: Special Media Release on Transfer of SSP Ampara Division

Press Releases /

CMEV learnt that the SSP of Ampara Division, J.R.Jayawardhana, has been transferred to the Killinochi Police Division with effect from 01st of January 2010. CMEV contacted Mr.Jayawardhana on 31st December who told that he received a radio message from the Police Head Quarters, Colombo on 30th December at around 11.30pm stating that he has been transferred to Killinochi Police Division with effect from 01st January. He stated that no reason has been mentioned for his transfer in the radio message. Read the full press release as a PDF here.

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CMEV Final Report – Major Incidents in the Southern Provincial Council Elections, 10th October 2009

Final Reports, Press Releases /

At the close of polls, CMEV reports a provisional voter turnout of 63.66 %. A breakdown of the districts indicates 66% in Hambantota district, 68% in Matara district and 57% in Galle district. This is to be compared with the 2004 Southern Provincial Council Elections where the total turnout was 55.64% with a breakdown of 55.99% in Hambantota district, 54.43% in Matara district and 56.5% in Galle district. On Polling Day, CMEV monitors reported 29 incidents in total with 8 major incidents and 21 minor incidents. Download the full CMEV election day report here. Download the report in Sinhala here.

CMEV Final Report – Major Incidents in the Southern Provincial Council Elections, 10th October 2009 Read More »

Final Results – Uva, Vavuniya and Jaffna 2009

Media reports, Press Releases /

Jaffna MC UPFA: 10,602 (13 seats), ITAK: 8,008 (8 seats), Ind.1: 1,175 (1 seat), TULF: 1,007 (1 seat) -Daily Mirror Uva Province UPFA: 418,906 (25 seats), UNP: 129,144 (7 seats), JVP: 14639 (1 seat), Up Country Peoples Front: 9227 (1 seat).-Daily Mirror Vavuniya UC ITAK:  4279 (5 seats), DPLF: 4136 (3 seats),  UPFA: 3045 (2 seats), SLMC: 587 (1 seat) -Daily Mirror

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Election Day Report: Uva Provincial Council Elections,Jaffna MC & Vavuniya UC Elections-2009

Media reports, Press Releases, Situation Updates /

Download PDF of this report here. 8th August 07:00pm, Polling in the elections to the Jaffna Municipality, Vavuniya Urban Council and Uva Provincial Council was relatively incident free with voter turnout figures of 20%, 49% and 62% in the three areas respectively. Of the areas polled, attention focused on the Jaffna Municipality, on account of it being the first post war poll in a predominantly Tamil area.  In this respect, the voter turnout of 20% should be seen in terms of an effective 40%, given that the actual number of voters present and able to vote in the municipality was not the figure on the electoral register, but roughly half that number.  Some 41,000 polling cards were retained at the Post Office.  These could not be delivered to the prospective voters, as the latter were not present to accept delivery of them at the addresses given on the polling cards.  Provision was made for these voters to obtain their polling cards form the Post Office until 3pm today, polling day. The low turn out figure in Jaffna can be attributed to a number of factors, primarily that of voter migration, voter preoccupation with livelihoods and quality of life, the impact of the IDP situation and voter disinterest in the elections as either being unnecessary and irrelevant at this point in time, a foregone conclusion in terms of result or held in accordance with political priorities other than their own. CMEV wishes to underscore this last point and its bearing on the low turnout. In particular there are outstanding issues with regard to the adequacy of information made available to the IDPs, with regard to voter registration as well as the access of political parties to potential voters in these camps. CMEV fully recognizes the number of factors militating against political activity in the camps and agrees that they reinforce the argument about the inappropriateness of elections at this time. In the Uva Provincial Council election, CMEV received a number of allegations pertaining to the misuse of state resources by the ruling alliance and in particular on behalf of its chief ministerial candidate Shasiendra Rajapaksa.  The misuse of state resources in this way is a recurrent bad practice in all elections and reinforces the argument of CMEV, its constituent organizations and other civil society organization about the pivotal importance of the implementation of the Seventeenth Amendment to the Constitution and the establishment of independent commissions for the arms of the state that are responsible for protecting and strengthening the integrity of the electoral process. CMEV received reports of 2 major incidents and 2 minor incidents in Jaffna MC Elections and reports of 3 major incidents and 2 minor incidents in the Vavuniya UC elections during Election Day. There were two incidents of assaults against candidates of the SLMC in Vavuniya, one incident of assault against ITAK supporter in Puttalam(Jaffna MC) and one incident of assault  against EROS supporter in Vavuniya. CMEV also received reports of two incidents of campaigning during Election Day in Vavuniya. In the Uva Provincial Council elections, there were 14 incidents in total from the Badulla district and 20 incidents from the Monaragala district during Election Day. There were 7 major incidents in the Badulla district and 4 major incidents in the Monaragala incident. These incidents included two incidents of assault in Badulla district and 1 incident of assault in Monaragala district. There were 3 incidents in which election officials did not allow CMEV monitors to enter the polling station in the Badulla district. There were 2 similar incidents reported from the Monaragala district. There was 1 incident in the Badulla district where the polling agent was found distributing campaign material for UPFA candidates. There was also 1 voter related incident in the Monaragala district. Some of these incidents are described below. Assault of Candidates At 12pm, SLMC candidates Mukkankoolu Ravichandran (Preferential No. 09) and Abdul Latheef Mohamed Munawfar (Preferential No. 02) who were on their way to the polling station on a motor bike, were assaulted by supporters of UPFA Minister of Resettlement Rishad Bathiudeen at the V/Muslim Maha Vidyalaya, Pattanichchipuliyankulam  (Polling station No. 1). According to Ravichandran, the assailants had travelled in a Toyota Hi- Ace van bearing the registration number 251 – 5092. A.L.M.Munawfar also informed the CMEV monitors that the assailants had attempted to run him over with the vehicle and had identified the assailants as supporters of Minister Rishard Badurdeen (ACMC), known as Rizni, Rafees, Rifthiyan, Majeed, Haroun, Safree and Nassen. Police Constable T.Wimalajith at the police post at the Vavuniya Base Hospital Police confirmed to CMEV that Mukkankoolu Ravichandran admitted to the hospital with minor injuries. Minister Rishad Bathiudeen when contacted by the CMEV said that he was informed of such an incident, but he was not connected with the incident in any way. He also said that it is a personal conflict between two individuals. Assault of Voters and Supporters At 8am Mr. H. S. M. Naseer driver of ITAK candidate Mr. Mohammed Aleem  Jamaldeen (Preferential No. 02) of the ITAK was assaulted by M. Mujahir and others who are supporters of  Minister Rishard Badurdeens. CMEV was informed that the driver was assaulted and the vehicle was damaged. Mr. H.S.M.Naseer subsequently made a report on this incident to the Puttalam Police (CIB 0290/57). CMEV mobile team reported that at 11.30am Sivakumaran a supporter of the EROS party was assaulted by a group of supporters at the Rural Development Society Kurumankadu (Polling station No. 3) by the Democratic People’s Liberation Front (PLOTE) party who arrived in a van. Sivakumaran sustained minor injuries during the attack.  During police investigations in connection to the incident Kanthar Thamotharampillai Linganathan, (candidate No 2) the Chief candidate of the PLOTE party rejected all allegations made against his party. The police confirmed this incident to the CMEV mobile team. A voter was assaulted at Polling Station No.50, Karametiya Junior School Polling Station, Moneragala polling division, Moneragala District at around 3.15pm. The assault was reportedly carried out by

Election Day Report: Uva Provincial Council Elections,Jaffna MC & Vavuniya UC Elections-2009 Read More »

Media Communique 3: Uva Provincial Council Elections 2009

Media reports, Press Releases /

08th August 12:00 pm: The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) reports that as at 11am a turnout of 30% from the Moneragala District and 40% from the Badulla District has been recorded. Attack and assault An incident of assault was reported to CMEV by JVP M.P Samantha Vidyarathana which took place at Polling station No. 01, Bathalayaya Maha Vidyalaya (Hall No.1) Mahiyangana Polling Division, Badulla District, at around 9.30 am. In the incident JVP candidate Wasantha Kumara (Preferential No. 22) and six others including the driver traveling in a vehicle (registration number LA-0370) were attacked by supporters of UPFA candidate Anura Ravindra Widanagamage (Preferential No. 6). The supporters allegedly had a T56 gun, iron bars and bicycle chains. M.P. Vidyarathana reported that six people were injured but were not taken to the hospital and that the windscreen of the vehicle was damaged. A complaint had been lodged with the Girandurukotte Police Station. M.P Vidyarathana claimed that Sub Inspector Janaka attached to Mahiyangana Police station was an eye witness but that he did not take any action. Girandurukotte Police confirmed that they received the above complaint. Campaigning during polling and transporting of voters There were incidents of political parties campaigning and transporting voters during the early hours of polling. Most of the incidents were related to the UPFA alliance with a majority associated with UPFA candidate Shashindra Rajapaksa and his supporters. A CMEV monitor stationed in Bibile reported that at 7.30am leaflets of UPFA candidate Shashindra Rajapaksa (Preferential No. 13) were distributed by a van (HH1214) 50 meters near to the Hepola Junior School Polling Centre (No1), Bibile Polling Division, Moneragala District. A CMEV field monitor reported that handbills of UPFA candidates Sujeewa Jayasinghe (Preferential No. 21), Manel Rathnayaka (Preferential No. 15), D.D.W Wickremaratne (Preferential No. 13) and Ajith Deshpriya Nilame Wickremaratne (Preferential No. 04) were distributed by a group of 10-15 people, 200 meters near to Polling Station No. 26, Katupelellegama Community Centre Polling Centre, Badulla Polling Division, Badulla District, at around 9.00am. A CMEV mobile monitor reported that a van (WP PA 1108) pasted with posters of UPFA candidate Shashindra Rajapaksa (Preferential No. 13) was transporting voters to Polling Station No. 28, Ethimale Maha Vidyalaya Polling Centre, Moneragala District, at around 10.20am. A CMEV field monitor reported that a beige pick-up truck pasted with posters of UPFA candidate Shashindra Rajapaksa (Preferential No. 13) transported voters to Polling Station No. 45, Illukkumbura Primary School Polling Centre, Bibile Polling Division, Moneragala district, at around 10.35am. A CMEV mobile monitor reported that two cabs (bearing number WPPD 2084 and 58-6736) pasted with posters of UPFA candidate Shasheendra Rajapaksa (Preferential No. 13) were transporting voters to polling station No. 28, Ethimale Maha Vidyalaya (Hall No.1) Polling Centre, Moneragala Polling division, Moneragala district, around 10.35am. A CMEV field monitor reported that four supporters of UPFA candidate Shashindra Rajapaksa (Preferential No. 13) were campaigning by the gate of Polling Centre No. 20, Pallwatta Maha Vidyalaya (Hall No.01) Polling Station, Wellawaya Polling Division, Moneragala District, at around 10.55am. Leaflets of the Democratic Unity Alliance candidates Nirmala Dissnayake (Preferential No. 17) and Avan Appasamy (Preferential No. 02) were distributed in front of  Polling Station No. 48, B/Guruthalawa, St. Thomas Vidyalaya, Welimada Polling Division, Badulla District, at around 9.05 am. According to a CMEV field monitor the incident took place within 500 meters of the polling station. Voter issues There were a few incidents reported to CMEV which demonstrated the continuing lack of awareness among voters of the proper forms of identification required to cast their vote. The Senior Presiding Officer from Polling Station No. 27, Kumbukgeyaya Eksath Paropakara Society Hall Polling Centre, Moneragala Polling Division, Moneargala District, reported to CMEV that 27 voters were not given the right to vote because they failed to produce valid identification documents. A CMEV field monitor reported that at Polling Station No. 14, Badullagammana Junior School polling center, Bibile polling division, Moneragala District at around 9.30am, a voter who attempted to use the receipt for a national identity card application given by the Grama Sevaka was not allowed to cast his vote. A CMEV field monitor reported that at Polling Station No. 39, Allekona Junior School Polling Centre, Bibile Polling Division; a voter was not allowed to cast his vote as he produced a photograph certified by the Grama Sevaka (G.S)

Media Communique 3: Uva Provincial Council Elections 2009 Read More »

Media Communique 4: Jaffna MC & Vavuniya UC Elections 2009

Media reports, Press Releases /

Download the report as a PDF here. 8th August 12:00 pm: The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) reports a low voter turn from Jaffna Municipal Council (MC) and Vavuniya Urban Council (UC) elections. As of 10 a.m. CMEV reports 6% from Jaffna and 12% from Vavuniya. CMEV had received 2 major incidents of assault and 2 minor incidents of election offences with regard to Jaffna MC and Vavuniya UC elections as of 11 a.m.  Two incidents of assault had been reported from Puttalam (Jaffna MC) and Vavuniya. SLMC candidate Assaulted in Vavuniya UC An incident of assault was reported to CMEV at 7:30am close to Polling Station No. 1, at the V/Muslim Maha Vidyalaya, Pattanichichipuliyankulam (Hall No. 1). A.L.M Munawfar candidate for the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (preferential candidate No.2) reported that he had been assaulted after returning from the polling station and casting his vote. A.L.M Munawfar reported that he was confronted by Mr. Rishard Badurdeen (Minister of Resettlement & Leader of ACMC) who questioned Munawfar as to what he was doing in the area and subsequently slapped him. Mr. A.L.M Munawfar stated that he received no injuries. The incident was reported to CMEV by Mr. A.L.M Munawfar. CMEV contacted Mr. Rishard Badurdeen regarding the above incident, and Mr. Badurdeen denied any involvement in the incident and the involvement of his supporters. TNA supporter assaulted in Puttalam An incident of assault of an ITAK supporter was reported to CMEV at 8:00am at (JMC 01) 4th Mile Post Camp. Mr. S.H.M Nasir, the driver of Mr. Mohammed Aleem  Jamaldeen (preferential candidate No. 02) of the ITAK/TNA, was transporting the relations of the candidate by van bearing registration Plate No. 252-1167. The gang proceeded to damage the vehicle mentioned above. The gang responsible for the attack is alleged to be associated with Minister Rishard Badurdeen (Minister of Resettlement and Leader of the ACMC). Mr Nasir identified one of the gang members being M. Mujahir who is associated with the Minister. The gang travelling in a white pick-up truck stopped the above vehicle and assaulted the driver. Witnesses present at the incident did not see the number plate of the vehicle. Mr. S.H.M. Nasir has subsequently reported the incident to Puttalam Police (CIB 0290/57) and informed CMEV that an estimated 75,000/= of damages was caused to the vehicle. Puttalam police and T.M.W Jayasundera, Police Sergeant, confirmed to CMEV that they have received the complaint and further investigations are underway. Propaganda during polling in Vavuniya CMEV reports reveal incidents of continuous campaigning in Vavuniya by political parties during polling. An incident of continuous campaigning was reported to CMEV’s mobile monitoring team at 8:30am within the vicinity of Kalaimagal Community Centre, Mannar Road, Vavuniya, Polling Station No. 4. A van bearing the registration plate number 57-9219 & trishaw bearing registration plate number QP -8564 were used to transport voters and paste propaganda posters. The CMEV mobile monitoring team stated that the UPFA betel leaf symbol was displayed on posters that were pasted on the vehicle. When the CMEV mobile monitoring team drove by the V/Tamil Madya Maha Vidyalaya, (Hall No. 1), Vavuniya, Polling Station No. 10 at 7:25am, numerous election propaganda leaflets belonging to Mr. Ranganathan Pathmanathan (Preferential No. 05) of the UNP had been seen scattered in front of the polling station.

Media Communique 4: Jaffna MC & Vavuniya UC Elections 2009 Read More »

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