Press Reports

ALERT: Misleading information attributed to CPA

Posted on by in Press Reports, Situation Updates.

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The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) and the Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) were informed this morning that a popular Facebook page had featured content attributed to CPA on the re-election of Mahinda Rajapaksa (at the time of issuing this press release, the post can be publicly accessed here). 

The post portrays a victory for the incumbent based on a survey conducted by CPA.

This is entirely incorrect.

Neither CPA nor CMEV, at any point of time, has conducted or released a survey of this nature. The content on the website is completely false and has no basis in the work or output of CPA or CMEV.

We strongly condemn these efforts to mislead the public through deliberate misinformation. 

Presidential Election 2015: Media Communique 8

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Download as PDF here.

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On 29th December 2014 at 6.00 pm:

29th December, Attack on ‘Yowun Parapura’ street concert in Gokarella, Kurunegala District

CMEV received information of an attack at Kumbukgete junction in the Gokarella area where a street concert was taking place with an audience of about 150 people. Youth artistes such as Samanalee Fonseka, Jagath Manuwarna, Indrachapa Liyanage, Lakshman Wijesekara and Udaya Dharmawardhana were performing when the attack took place (at about 12 30 p.m.). A group of people headed by UPFA Provincial Councilor Don Kamal Indika were distributing leaflets. Subsequently this group, who were in blue ‘Nil balakaya’ T shirts had started hooting and yelling abuse and throwing rocks at the performers. Two police officers were there at the time, but had done nothing to stop the attack. Samanalee Fonseka and Udaya Dharmawardhana had been stoned while Lakshman Wijesekara had been kicked. No complaint has been filed with the police due to fear of reprisals.

When CMEV spoke to Officer in Charge Dias at the Gokarella police station, he said that they had only been informed of a verbal dispute between the two sides. He further said that two police officers who were regulating traffic at Ibbagamuwa had been sent there and that no complaints were received.

29th December, Mahiyangana, Midahangala junction, Badulla District

It was reported to CMEV that an authorized United National Party (UNP) office at the above location maintained by Provincial Councilor M Surasena had been attacked yesterday (28th) around 10.00 pm. According to him, an unidentified group (about 15 people) had arrived in a red Defender, White Trooper jeep and a Navara cab. Four armed persons had fired shots towards the sky and had attacked six people who had been at the office at the time. One disabled soldier and two boys aged 13 and 15 respectively had also been there.

According to Mr Surasena, five individuals have been injured with one person in a serious condition. Property damage in the above attack includes damages to personal property (a Toyota car (CP/GM/0482), Nissan van (251-1500) and a motorcycle (UP/BAO/1477) the total cost of which is yet to be estimate. Furthermore he suspects the culprits to be supporters of United People Freedom Alliance (UPFA) organizer Mahiyangana Anura Vidanagamage and Badulla District MP Thenuka Widanagamage.

CMEV was unable to reach Mr Vidanagamage via phone to get a statement.

Mr Surasena had gone to hospitalize the victims leaving Lieutenant Chandrasena (Surasena’s brother) and the disabled soldier behind. The culprits returned and attacked them. The disabled soldier’s prosthetic leg was stolen and he was subsequently hospitalized and awaiting procedures.

After Mr Surasena made a complaint at the Mahaiyangana Police station, police surveillance had been deployed to his residence and police investigations have begun.

The Mahiyangana Police Station, when approached by CMEV confirmed that they received an emergency call ( on 119/118) regarding this incident around 10.45pm yesterday (28th) and that they sent a group of police officers to the above location around 11.00pm. Currently police investigations are underway. The police have arrested two suspects who are appearing at Mahiyangana Magistrate court on 29th evening.

Mahaiyanaga Base hospital said that three victims were admitted to ward 08 last night (28th) and some were admitted in the morning. Director of Mahiyangana Base Hospital said that four persons are under medical treatment and one is in serious condition.

When approached by CMEV, United National Party organizer Mahiyangana Upali Senarathne, who is still at the location, says that he suspects this attack was by Anura Vidanagamage.

Presidential Election 2015: Media Communique 7

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Download this as a PDF here. Download this PR in Sinhala here.

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On 28th December 2014 at11.30 pm:

Colombo, Sri Lanka CMEV has recorded a cumulative total of 180 Incidents of election related violence since the issue of the Gazette Notification on 20th November 2014 announcing the Presidential Election. Of these, 108 are classified as Major and 72 as Minor incidents. The highest number incidents have been reported from Colombo (15) District. CMEV highlights the most recent confirmed Major incidents below:

28th December, Threat in Gampola, Kandy District

It was reported to CMEV that Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratna and several supporters had entered the United National Party (UNP) head office in Gampola and threatened those at the office saying “hondinnan hondin, narakinnan narakin math balagannanko”. According to Samantha Anurakumara who maintains the office and who had been present at the time, the Prime Minister and supporters had arrived after a meeting at the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) office. A complaint had been filed at the Gampola Police Station CIB (3) 19/292 but complainants have requested the police to not carry out further investigations due to fear of reprisals.

25th December, Assault at Galpaya, Kandy District

CMEV was informed of an incident on 25 December related to an assault to Rohana Kumara whose father-in-law, Mr. Karunathilaka, is a Pradeshiya Sabha member and supporter of the UNP and formerly with the UPFA. According to Rohana, he was traveling when a van crossed his path and parked in front of him. Rohana was driving Karunathilaka’s vehicle at the time. Rohana informed that the four people who attacked him and the vehicle must have thought Karunathilaka was in the vehicle at the time. A police complaint had been filed under 245/216 MOIB.

27th December, Public Property Misuse in Kantalai, Trincomalee District

CMEV was reported of an incident of public property misuse on 27th December. A SLTB Bus (WP NP 4979) had been used to transport about 200-300 persons from around Kantalai to attend a programme called ‘Juriya Obai’ done by the International Television Network (ITN) on the 27th at Lake Front Hotel in Kanthalai on behalf of the presidential candidate Mahinda Rajapaksa.

26th December, Party office attacked, Manikitta, Kandy District

A party office of the United National Party (UNP) maintained by H.A Sisil Jayawardana was attacked by a group of unknown people on the night of 26th December. Further, several cut outs of Common Presidential Candidate Maithripala Sirisena in the vicinity were destroyed. A police complaint was filed (E:R.I.B. 81/55).

28th December, Illegal Campaign in Thambuththegama, Anuradhapura District

A CMEV monitor reported that a demo vehicle plated LH 1943 was driving around in the above area (at about 4 p.m.) requesting the public (via loudspeakers) about a political meeting chaired by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, in support of the UPFA at the Weheregala Buddhist Centre. When CMEV spoke to Rajangana Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman, G.H.Sarath Gamini, he confirmed that there was a meeting scheduled to take place.

28th December, Illegal Campaign in Nuwaragama, Anuradhapura District

A CMEV monitor reported that school bags printed with a picture of President Mahinda Rajapaksa were distributed to the flood victims at the Jayabima Hall which belongs to the Pradeshiya Sabha. Nagenahira Nuwaragampalatha Pradeshiya Sabha member, D.P. Bandulasena, informed CMEV that they had distributed bags to the children of the flood victims but denied knowledge of the bags containing any image.

27th December, Public Property Missus in Horana, Kaluthara District

CMEV was reported of a public property misuse in the above area on 28th of December when the Horana Vidyarathna Vidyalay had been used for a meeting by the Western Provincial Council member Yasapala Koralage(UPFA). CMEV had been notified the previous day (27th) that a meeting and walk were being organised. After a complaint was made to the Election Secretariat in Rajagiriya by CMEV on the 27th, the rally had been cancelled but the meeting had taken place.

28th December, Illegal Campaign at Bauddaloka Mawatha, Borella

CMEV received information using Public servants for election campaign of United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) in the above location. Officers from the Land Reclamation and Development Cooperation have been distributing election materials of presidential candidate Mahinda Rajapaksa on the roads in the above area on 28th December.

28th December, Police Misconduct in Halawatha, Kaluthara District

CMEV received a complaint of a cutout of President Mahinda Rajapaksa in the above location which was informed as land belonging to Hettiarachchige Don Weerarathna. When the police intervened to take down the cutout, the Road Development Authority had said that this particular cutout was in the land which belongs to them. The police had instead covered it with a black cloth but the cutout has not been taken down as yet.

28th December, Party Office Attacked in Minuwangoda, Gampaha District

CMEV received a complaint that a group of people had attacked a United National Party (UNP) party office maintained by Warnakilasuriya Henry Josephe Fernando in the above location. Three 10×4 cutouts and six 12 feet iron poles were stolen. A complaint has been made at the Minuwangoda police station 11/MGERIB.

Presidential Election 2015: Media Communiqué No. 02

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On 21st December 2014 at 09.12 pm:

Use of Civil Defense Officers for election campaign activities in Ampara District

CMEV received a complaint from a civil defense officer who wishes to remain anonymous. The complaint is that Civil Defense officers are being used for election activities in support of President Mahinda Rajapaksha. Further he said that new recruitments are being made
during this period by Deputy Minister of Labor and Labor Relations, Hon Sarath Weerasekera . According to the complainant Civil Defenc officers have been threatened that if they do not get involved in the Rajapaksha campaign, their jobs will be in jeopardy.

It is important to note that these officers have been forced to engage in campaign activities, based at the Minister’s office located near the market in Dehiatthakkandiya town.   He noted that these officers have been assigned the tasks of making and pasting posters, cutouts and distributing leaflets of President Rajapaksha.

When CMEV contacted Dehiatthakkandiya Poilce Station, we were informed that many young persons had come to the Police Stations last month to obtain a police report in order to get a job with the Civil Defense Force.

When CMEV contacted Minister Sarath Weerasekera, he completely denied these allegations. Moreover he said that the Civil Defence Officers were free to engage in political activities after 4.30 PM since they are paid on a daily basis. He further said that he could not reject them when they offered their services voluntarily for political activities.   He also said that since he is former Director of the Civil Defence Unit (CDU) he does not have any connection with the CDU at present.

The Minister maintains that the CDU has not been engaged in new recruitment since the end of the war in 2009. Nevertheless, he did say that the CDU has selected individuals with vocational qualifications for recruitment after 8th January 2015. According to him this impending recruitment is crucial since a lot of construction work has to be completed. Finally, he stressed that if CDU officers get involved in political activities during their working hours, this would be a violation of both labour and election laws. However, he continued to maintain that in the Ampara district CDU officers had only engaged in political activities after working hours and were therefore not violating the election law.

CMEV was unable to speak to Mr Pathmawansa, Commanding Officer, CDU, Dehiatthakkandiya but spoke with an officer, Mr Shriyantha who said that according to his knowledge officers in his office were not being used for political activities. He further said that they could not engage in political activities in support of any candidate even after working hours, since they are government servants.

CMEV subsequently spoke with an officer in the office of the Additional Election Commissioner in Ampara, who informed CMEV that his office had received many complaints about CDU officers being engaged in political activity in support of the incumbent President. He directed CMEV to Mr Jayasekara, the officer in charge of election complaints. Mr. Jayasekera was not contactable.

CMEV was formed in 1997 by the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), the Free Media Movement (FMM) and the Coalition Against Political Violence as an independent and non-partisan organisation to monitor the incidence of election related violence. Currently, CMEV is made up of CPA and INFORM Human Rights Documentation Centre.

Download this statement as a PDF here.

Students disturbed by political rally

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CMEV received reports of an incident where students sitting for their O/L examination, conducted at St. Mary’s College and Ananda National College at Chilaw, were disturbed by illegal procession violating Section 69 of the Presidential Election Act in which expressly restrict procession at any time during the period commencing on the day of nomination and ending one week after the date on which the results of the poll declared and guidelines issued by the Commissioner with regard to the establishment of party offices.

The procession had organized by Neomal Perera, Deputy Minister (UPFA) and Milroy Fernando, Minister for Social Welfare (UPFA) on 16th December, and it had taken place from 2.30 to 3.30 p.m. in very close proximity to above schools making noises by various instruments and vehicle sirens.

Residents of the area had informed the incident to police 119 and IP Kasthuriarachci, OIC Chilaw Police Station confirmed that a complaint lodged through 119 was referred to them for necessary actions.

Updating the Supplementary Electoral list of 2014

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Since the registration process of voters has been just finalized by the Department of Elections, they have started the registration process of IDPs living in both Northern & Eastern provinces.  As amended by the Act of registration of Electors, No.27 of 2013 and the (Special Provisions) Act and according to the Registration of Electors, No.44 of 1980, a supplementary electoral list would be submitted to Parliament at the end of this month. Therefore, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), described in the act as, “a citizen of Sri Lanka who was permanently resident in the northern and eastern provinces and who was forced or obliged to leave from his residence at any time prior to May 2009 as  a result  of the armed conflict which took place in Sri  Lanka and currently resides  in Sri Lanka outside  his original place of residence in these two provinces” would be eligible to register under this supplementary Act.

This act permits an IDP to vote in the electoral district in which they were resident prior to 2009, if his/her name appeared in the register of electors for any electoral district in the Northern or Eastern Provinces for any year until the end of the year 2009, and whose name has not been entered in any register in operation subsequent to the year 2009. Since the 2014 electoral list is to be used in all elections to be conducted in 2015, registration on this list is very important allowing a majority of citizens living in Northeast provinces  to enjoy their universal franchise.

Time line of the registration process:

  • 01-07 November 2014 – Obtaining applications from the citizens in the category described by the supplementary act
  • 07-November 2014- Finalizing the electors’ list of eligible persons related to 2014 through the applications received
  • 08-November 2014- Displaying the above list at all district and divisional secretariat offices and the Assistant Election Commissioners Offices in both provinces.

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Read this in Tamil and Sinhala. Download official government information circular and application form.

 

Uva Provincial Council Elections 2014 Election Day Communiqué No. 3

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Download this report in Tamil here.

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20 September 2014, Colombo, Sri Lanka: Election day saw a high number of voters in both the Badulla and  Moneragala districts. News reports quoting election officers reported voter turnout at 50% in the Badulla district and 44% in the Moneragala district at midday. In the 2009 Uva Provincial Council election, 70.03% of the registered votes were polled. Although official confirmation of the final voter turnout of today’s poll is not available at the time of writing, mid-day news reports indicate participation could be at similar levels.

The following table highlights incidents as reported by the Police on Election Day.

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The day was marked with 6 major incidents, which included assault, threats and intimidation. These included the use of firearms and dangerous weapons. One incident occurred within the premises of the Bandarawela police station. There were however no reported arrests at the time of writing.

It has to be noted that there were no reports of incidents of murder or grievous hurt on Election Day. However there was widespread abuse of state resources and violation of election law that occurred in the lead up to the polls and on Election Day.

CMEV was concerned about issues related to the presentation of identification documents that could impact the exercise of the franchise. As a result, CMEV responded positively to the request by the Elections Commissioner to support mobile clinics organized by the Department of Elections to issue special identity cards in the Badulla district.

Some key trends from polling day include:

  • The heavy presence of politicians across parties and their supporters from outside of the Uva Province, was evident in both the Badulla and Moneragala districts. Several serious incidents reported allegedly involved UPFA politicians and their supporters from outside the Uva province.
  • The overwhelming majority of ‘major incidents’ on polling day were reported from the Badulla District.
  • A majority of election law violations, including transporting voters to polling stations were reported from the Moneragala district.
  • All physical attacks reported to CMEV were attacks against politicians and party cadre.
  • Intimidation and pressuring of voters was used to either influence or prevent voting.
  • Illegal campaigning (graffiti/posters and other propaganda material/vehicles bearing names and/or preference numbers of candidates) was regularly seen near polling stations as well as elsewhere, despite the 13,000 police personnel deployed.
  • Voters were not allowed to cast their ballot on account of non-possession of polling cards.

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Methodology: CMEV records incidents of murder, attempted murder, assault, abduction, arson, robbery, grievous hurt and threats and intimidation and ‘major’ incidents while damage to property, threats, mischief and violation of election law are recorded as ‘minor’ incidents.

Uva Provincial Council Elections 2014 Election Day Communiqué No. 2

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20 September 2014, Colombo, Sri Lanka: Voting in the Uva Provincial Council election closed at 4 p.m. Further incidents reported during the polling period are detailed below.

Download this as a PDF here. Sinhala version here and Tamil version here.

On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Badulla district, Bandarawela Polling division.  According to UNP MP Harsha De Silva a group of UNP supporters were travelling from Diyatalawa to Bandarawela when a group of people had disembarked from a white van that had blocked their path. The Coordinating Secretary of UNP Candidate Harin Fernando, Mr. Premasiri was assaulted by Southern Provincial Council Minister D.V Upul using the blunt side of a sword. Eyewitnesses also allege that the attackers fired several shots into the air.

On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Moneragala district, Wellawaya, Athili Wewa Maha Viduhala. UPFA Moneragala election operation unit lodged a complaint with CMEV that UNP candidate Roy Kalinga contesting under the preference number 17, together with about 25 of his supporters, threatened a UPFA supporter not to cast his vote. The UPFA alleged that the Police refused to accept the complaint. However when contacted by CMEV, Wellawaya Police stated that the complaint was accepted as Complaint number 48 at 9.15 a.m

On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Badulla district, Hali-Ela, St. James Tamil Vidyalaya Polling Station. CMEV field monitors reported voter Padmanathan Yogaratnam was assaulted with a knife, approximately 200 meters from the polling station when he arrived to cast his vote. The perpetrator – allegedly a JVP supporter according to the victim’s brother- was identified as Shanmuganathan and was allegedly involved in an altercation with the injured on the previous day. The injured was admitted to the Badulla Base Hospital. Upon inquiries from the hospital, CMEV was informed that a person with the name Pathmanathan Yogaratnam was admitted to ward 8. The hospital however refused to divulge any further information. The CMEV field monitor’s attempts to contact the hospital director for more details were unsuccessful. The Badulla base hospital police informed CMEV that this incident was a personal dispute, unrelated to election violence.  CMEV has been informed by the injured person’s brother that this is an election related incident.

On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Badulla district, Wellassa. A hotel owned by H. A. Dushan who maintained a UNP party office opposite the Wellassa Jathika Pasala, was attacked by about 30 individuals who arrived in 5 vehicles. CMEV field monitors visited the location and were informed by witnesses that an unidentified group stormed into the hotel and assaulted 3 individuals including the aforementioned. Eye-witnesses alleged that the attackers fled the scene upon arrival of the Police.

On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Moneragala district, Bibile, Moneragala Mariarawa Maha Viduhala Polling Station. A complaint has been lodged by the UPFA Party Office with CMEV that two UPFA representatives at the Mariarawa polling station were denied access to the premises.

On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Badulla district, Haputalle, Pitarathmala, Bandarewela/ Junior Tamil School Polling Station. A CMEV field monitor reported that at about 2 p.m a three – wheeler -bearing registration number UP. VK 3519 depicting the preference number of Mr. Agalan Sendil Thondaman (No. 02) and UPFA election symbol, was parked 50 meters from the polling station for a significant period of time. When the CMEV field monitor made inquiries from the three -wheeler driver, he revealed that in the lead up to the election date he was paid Rs. 1000 per day by the supporters of Mr. Sendil Thondaman for displaying the sticker and Rs. 1500 was offered for today (20th of September) by the same people. The three-wheeler driver further stated that similar offers were made to many other vehicles.

On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Moneragala district, Wellawaya, Okkampitiya Maha Vidyalaya Polling Station.  CMEV field monitors reported that campaign material was scattered outside Okkampitiya Maha Vidyalaya Polling Station (centre 26/27) depicting the number 15 and the betel leaf symbol – the preference number of Mr. Manamendra Patabedige Leelasena (photographic evidence is available) and the UPFA symbol, respectively.

On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Moneragala district, Wellawaya, Okkampitiya Maha Vidyalaya Polling Station. CMEV field monitors reported a vehicle bearing stickers with number 9 in yellow on a blue background, parked outside the polling station with the registration plate number WP KH-3434 (photographic evidence is available).

On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Badulla district, Hali-Ela, District Vocational Training Centre Rockhill Polling Station. CMEV field monitors reported propaganda material including preference numbers 17, 9 and 7 and the UPFA election symbol were discovered on the ground close to the polling station. The above preference numbers refer to UPFA candidates Manel Rathnayake, R. M. Nimal Rathnayake, and Arther Chamara Sampath Dasanayake Don respectively.

On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Badulla district, Hali-Ela, Wewalginna Vidyalaya polling Station. CMEV field monitors reported a group of about 5 youths were speaking to the voters within a radius of 100 meters from the polling station telling them to vote for UPFA candidate Mr. Ajith Deshapriya contesting under the preference number 03.

On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Moneragala district, Bibile, Bibile Nagala, Moneragala Nagala Piyarathana Kanitu Viduhala. A complaint was lodged by the UPFA Party Office with CMEV that the Senior Polling Officer has notified disabled persons that they will not be afforded the opportunity to cast their vote. The UPFA Party Office is reported to have made a complaint to the Elections Commissioner.

On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Moneragala district, Wellawaya, Kiri-ibban Wewa Bandaranayake Secondary School.  A complaint was lodged by the UPFA Party Office with CMEV that a group of persons used a white van to transport voters to the Kiribath wewa Bandaranayake secondary school polling center, close to Kiri-ibban Ara Mawara Bridge. They further alleged that the persons in the van were waving red flags.

On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Moneragala district, Bibile, Mada Gama, Moneragala Bibilamulla Kanitu Viduhala Polling Station. A complaint was lodged by the UPFA Party Office with the CMEV field monitor, reporting that the Senior Polling Officer did not make necessary arrangements for disabled persons to cast their vote.

On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Moneragala district, Siyambalanduwa, Kumbukgeyaya Eksath Paropakara Samithi Shalawa, Athimale Wawe Polling Station. A Complaint was lodged by the UPFA Party Office with the CMEV that a police officer Karunamuni (63245) deployed for election duties was seen intimidating voters by informing them not to cast their vote.

Uva Provincial Council Elections 2014 Election Day Communiqué No. 1

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20 September 2014, Colombo, Sri Lanka: Voting in the Uva Provincial Council election commenced today, 20th September 2014. This election is the latest in the current cycle of Provincial Council elections held in four phases over two years. In total 942,730 registered voters are registered to vote at 834 polling stations in the 3 polling divisions of the Moneragala district and the 9 in the Badulla District.

Download this update in Sinhala here, and in Tamil here.

Turnout

Voting began at 7 a.m. By 1.00 p.m in the Badulla district voter turnout was recorded at 50% and in the Moneragala district at 45% by noon. During the previous Provincial Council election in 2009, the total voter turnout was 68.69% and 70.73% in the Moneragala and Badulla districts, respectively.

Incidents

  • On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Badulla District, Passara, Gonagala Maha Vidyalaya, Gonagala Polling Station. CMEV field monitors reported that a graffiti depicting the number 18 and the betel leaf symbol had been drawn on the road in front of the polling station. It is noted that the graffiti indicated the election symbol of the UPFA and the preference number of Mr. Vadivel Suresh, who is the organizer for the Passara electorate. (Photographic evidence is available)
  • On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Moneragala District, Moneragala, Horambuwa, Moneragala Horambuwa Kanitu Viduhala Polling Station. CMEV field monitors reported that from around 7 a.m, a bus bearing registration number ND-6622 was used to transport voters to the Horambuwa Kanitu Viduhala polling station. Furthermore the bus was used to provide transport to employees of the Moneragala Pradeshiya Sabha. CMEV field monitors report that UPFA Moneragala District candidate Shashindra Rajapaksa’s name was displayed prominently on the said bus. This narration of the incident was corroborated by an employee of the Pradeshiya Sabha, who was a passenger on the bus.
  • On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Badulla District, Haputale, Glananor Tamil Kanishta Vidyalaya Polling Station. CMEV field monitors reported that a group of about 15 UPFA (CWC) supporters approached voters and  asked them to cast their vote according to a model ballot paper that had marked numbers 2, 11, and 12 against the UPFA election symbol. The incident is reported to have taken place within a 100 meter radius of the polling station and the group had exerted particular pressure on women voters in this regard.
  • On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Badulla District, Mahiyanganaya, Dehigolla Maha Vidyalaya Polling Station. CMEV field monitors reported that a group of people wearing blue t-shirts were distributing refreshments to the public on a by-road located within a 500 meter radius of the Dehigolla Maha Vidyalaya polling station.
  • On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Badulla District, Bandarawela, Bandarawela polling Division, polling Station Numbers 60 and 61. CMEV field monitors reported that two police officers turned away voters from the polling station who did not possess polling cards. Based on eyewitness accounts, CMEV field monitors estimated that by 11 a.m, almost 20 voters had been turned away.
  • On 20th September 2014 UVA Province, Badulla District, Passara, Namunukula Vidyalaya Polling Station. CMEV field monitors reported that the senior presiding officer attached to Namunukula Vidyalaya polling station was under the influence of alcohol while he was on duty. Furthermore when the CMEV field monitor approached the senior presiding officer to sign the CMEV observation form, he refused to do so. CMEV has reported this incident to the Elections Commissioner.
  • On 20th September UVA Province, Badulla District, Passara, Yuri Estate Tamil Vidyalaya Polling Station. CMEV field monitors reported that around 1.05 p.m, a group of persons approached voters who were proceeding to the polling station and pressured them to vote for UPFA candidate Mr. Vadivel Suresh (No. 18 ). This incident is reported to have taken place within a 50 meter radius of the polling station.
  • On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Badulla District, Bandarawela, Bandarawela Police Station. Police Communique issued by the Deputy O.I.C of the Bandarawela Police stated that at 10.20 a.m, Mayor of the Bandarawela Municipal council Mr. Chaminda Wijesiri with five other supporters visited the Bandarawela Police Station to lodge a complaint regarding UNP supporters being threatened and assaulted.  At about 10.40 a.m UPFA Member of Bandarawela Pradeshiya Sabha, Mr. Heenkenda and the Deputy Minister of Trade and his supporters (who arrived a short while after Mr. Heenkenda), entered the Police Station and had an altercation with the Mayor of the Bandarawela and his supporters.
  • CMEV field monitors reported that the Mayor of Bandarawela was admitted to the Diyathalawa hospital and had reportedly suffered bruising as a result of the altercation. He has been transferred to the Badulla base hospital.

Contact us on Northern Provincial Council Elections

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Northern Provincial Council Elections – September 2013

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2 September 2013, Colombo, Sri Lanka: The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) has commenced monitoring the forthcoming Northern Provincial Council Elections 2013.

Cooperation and assistance rendered by election officials, police, political parties, candidates, media and public in the past has been invaluable to the exercise and we look forward to similar cooperation in this election as well.

The CMEV secretariat is located in Colombo and incidents related to electoral violence and violations of electoral laws can be reported to the secretariat through the contact details given below.

  1. All CMEV reports and communiqués, and the violence mapping on Google Maps can be accessed online at http://cmev.wordpress.com
  2. All updates will be posted on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/cmev (or via @cmev)
  3. All updates will also be posted on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/electionviolence

CMEV will deploy 20 Field Monitors in the first week of September to cover every polling division in the province and as well as 250 Stationary Observers and 10 Mobile Teams on Election Day in the areas identified as critical in nature.

Our contact details are:
Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV)
No 24/2, 28th Lane
Off Flower Road,
Colombo
TP: 0112565304 & 0112565304
Fax: 0114714460
E-mail: cmev@cpalanka.org

Please contact following persons for comments and information:

Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu
Co-Convenor-CMEV
0112301634 (direct)

Mr. Manjula Gajanayake
Co-ordinator
0115552749

Mr. Mani Maran
Field Co-ordinator
0115552749

CMEV was formed in 1997 by the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), the Free Media Movement (FMM) and the Coalition against Political Violence as an independent and nonpartisan organization to monitor the incidence of election related violence. Currently, CMEV is made up of CPA, FMM and INFORM Human Rights Documentation Centre.

CPA Statement on Local Government Elections 23 July 2011

Posted on by in Press Releases, Press Reports, Situation Updates.

23 July 2011, Colombo, Sri Lanka: The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) notes the conclusion of the second phase of the 2011 local government elections held today. The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) of which CPA is a constituent member, did not deploy monitors in the field in the present phase of the local government elections. Therefore, the information received is from reports filed from actors present in the areas where elections were conducted, as well as from the media.

The lead up to the elections was marred by violence and election day itself witnessed several incidents, including one killing. The elections for the 65 local government bodies held today were delayed due to legal challenges. CPA also notes that the Government using Emergency Regulations has postponed elections for a number of local authorities. We urge all political actors to take steps to ensure local government elections are held without further delay.

The present elections were held according to the 2010 Electoral Register unlike the polls held in March 2011 that used the 2009 register. A significant factor in this is the reduction of the number of registered voters in the Jaffna District. Another key point is the holding of local government elections in parts of the North such as in Killinochchi after more than two decades.

Available information indicates that these elections recorded a relatively high turn out at the close of polls. This in turn reflects renewed voter interest, especially when compared to the parliamentary elections of April 2010 that saw a turnout of 61.26%, one of Sri Lanka’s lowest turn outs at a general election. There were concerns about voter distrust in the electoral process, in particular over transportation problem and allegations of irregularities in the counting process. The turn out in the Northern Province in particular has been very high. For instance, the Killinochchi polling division recorded a turn out of just 7.23% at the Presidential elections held in 2010 and 12.13% at the parliamentary elections held the same year. In contrast, as reported in the media by returning officers, voter turnout at the close of polls in Killinochchi was 65%, Jaffna 46% and Mullativu 65%. Whilst these elections represent a significant step in the post-war consolidation of democracy, a number of incidents highlight concerns about enduring violence and malpractice compromising the integrity of the electoral process.

CPA was informed of several incidents where voters in areas of Karachchi and Palai divisions, in the Killinochchi District were forced to hand over their polling cards by armed actors hours before polling commenced at 7am. CPA also received reports that in some areas payments were made to some voters to hand over their polling cards. Some of these incidents were reported from Bharatipuram, Ramanathapuram, Konavil, Malayalapuram, Vattakachchi, Kalmadu, Ananvillandan and Navalnagar in the Killinochchi District.

While it is too early to comment on the outcome of the elections, an important point to note is the tactics used by candidates, political parties and others to influence and deter a free and fair election taking place in the North. Violence and violations of electoral law were also reported from other areas of the country. The killing of a UPFA supporter, Anura Wijeybandara in Anuradhapura District, reportedly in an intra-party clash on election day draws attention to continued political violence in the country.

A recurrent issue in elections held in Sri Lanka is the problem of documentation. Voters in the present election in parts of the North experienced this again. CPA was informed that an announcement was made by the Commissioner of Elections only at noon today stating that temporary identity cards issued by the Police would be accepted for polling in parts of Killinochchi and Mullaitivu Districts. While this delayed announcement may have helped some voters, CPA notes with concern the inability of the relevant officials to take steps prior to the opening of the polls to disseminate this information.

CPA urges the Commissioner of Elections and other relevant officials to take necessary measures to ensure these issues are addressed without delay in light of the statement made by the President of forthcoming Northern Provincial Elections to be held in 2012.

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