EC dumbfounded on appointment of election observers

Rohana Hettiarachi, Director of People’s action for Free and Fair elections (PAFFREL) , lamented that they have sent several letters and reminders to the Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake regarding the appointment of observers at the forthcoming General elections without avail.

The Elections Commissioner did not even dwell on the subject, it was pointed out.

Following the disputes raging on vote counting connected with counting centers at the last Presidential elections, there is a great necessity to appoint observers at the counting centers, Hettiarachi emphasized. PAFFREL has also requested appointment of foreign observers to eliminate impartiality, for which too the Commissioner has not responded.

PAFFREL stated that there is no point in appointing observers on the day of election only. They ought to be present in the pre election period so that they can have a clear picture ahead.