Mr. Rohana Hettiarachchi, Director of the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), informed Mawrata that the organization has received over 200 complaints regarding the misuse of state resources in violation of presidential election regulations.
He further revealed that a report has been compiled identifying officials from several ministries involved in these illegal activities, and legal proceedings will commence after the presidential election.
In addition, Mr. Hettiarachchi stated that formal complaints would be lodged with both the Election Commission and the Police Commission against law enforcement officers who have acted unlawfully, showing bias toward certain candidates.
As of now, PAFFREL has recorded a total of 1,199 complaints, including 61 incidents of violence.
Since last Wednesday, the organization has been conducting an emergency nationwide investigation through its election observers. This investigation follows the enforcement of a ban on posters and banners under election law, with some candidates engaging in fraudulent activities by setting up fictitious campaign offices, even in vacant land areas, under the pretense of supporting their campaigns.
It has also come to light that certain closed shops have been falsely labeled as campaign offices, violating the rule that mandates these offices remain open for a minimum of four hours.
