Election monitors call on IGP to expedite investigations into threats against EC members

Tuesday, 31 January 2023 03:07 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

IGP C.D. Wickramaratne

Independent election monitoring organisation People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has written to IGP C.D. Wickramaratne, calling on the Police Chief to expedite investigations into the threats received by members of the Election Commission of Sri Lanka.

In the letter dated 30 January, PAFFREL while thanking the IGP for providing the necessary security to members who recently received death threats, they also expressed their disappointment in the failure of the Police to make any arrests in connection to the incident.

“It (the failure) is now being ridiculed by the person who issued the threat. Though the person who issued the threat is doing it from abroad it is clear he is receiving some support from Sri Lanka,” it said. The organisation noted that someone had taken images of the vehicles and homes of certain commissioners and forwarded them through a messaging application.

“It is noted this has occurred on several instances. Investigating how the phone connection was paid for may also reveal some information,” it said.

PAFFREL said the delay to apprehend those responsible is a continuing threat to the members of the EC and would hamper them from carrying out their duties. The election monitors said the delay in conducting investigations would lead to a breakdown of public confidence while also harming the reputation of the Sri Lanka Police. The organisation therefore called on the IGP to look into the matter and order for the investigations to be expedited.