Election Results Procedure Change Leads to Suspicion
By R.M.B. Senanayake
I have had first-hand experience as a Presiding Officer, Counting Officer (Assistant Registering Officer) and as Returning Officer in past elections in Vavuniya, Nuwara Eliya, Matara, etc. The procedure then was for the counting centers to be set apart for each electorate.
After the count the results for that electorate were announced by the Government Agent (Returning Officer). In later elections I am aware that the procedure was for the Returning Officer of each district to aggregate the results of each electorate and announce the results for the District. The Commissioner of Elections is informed of such results and then he aggregates all the districts and announces the final result.
On this occasion the Commissioner of Elections has altered the procedure and instead of allowing the District Secretaries to announce the district result has asked them to send the electorate results to him. Why did he make this change which has now given rise to allegations of rigging? He has said it is because of the IDPs voting outside their districts. I am not sure whether there is a legal requirement which justifies the adoption of this new procedure. But it has caused unnecessary doubts in the minds of the people.
I think the only way to remove such doubts is for an independent audit of the results of the electorates to be done and reconciled with the votes cast. The Elections Commissioner is required by law to seal and preserve the votes for a limited time period. If the defeated candidate contests the result he should file an election petition. As for the Elections Commissioner he cut a pathetic figure. He should have boldly said whatever he had to say without moaning. He should now at least resign; whether his resignation is accepted or not, for his enforced stay is perhaps another of those faulty judgments by the former CJ.
7 Comments
Well, there you go.
The Elections Commissioner did cut a pathetic figure. He was complaining about stress. Yes, every job in this world generates stress in the doer. Even the Garbage Collector is under stress doing his job!
If you don't want the stress, it's best that you seek refuge under a Bo Tree under the guise of seeking enlightenment. Even better is to seek refuge in the slopes of the Himalayas and let your nails grow and get rooted into the snow.
The Elections Commissioner in this instance is seen as aiding and abetting in whatever that went on. It's time he retires but wonder why the taxpayer should support him with a pension for the rest of his life for the mess he delivered!
The saying "Death before dishonour" has never carried more meaning than in the pathetic performance of the election commissioner. I guess it is too much to expect a product of the current civil service to put any value on his personal honour !
I have always maintained that this election commissioner is the main person responsible for getting Mahinda Rajapaksa into office on both occasions. The only reason he stayed on was to ensure a second victory for his benefactor.
If I am proved wrong I will be the happiest person because this commissioner is supposed to be one of the finest products of the current civil service, according to many people I know and respect !
It will also drastically change my opinion and contradict my first hand experience, of the public service to boot.
Centralised control of the election results has resulted in lack of transparency of the process. Now no one knows the results of counting centers as these have been totalled and announced by the center on an electoral district basis. All the details are confined to the precints of the elctions secretariat. It is not known why the elctions commissioner has deviated from the established procedures.
It is essential that an audit be carried out to cross check the results as well as to ensure procedures were followed at all centers. Until then the result will be clouded in suspicion.
Agree with you 100% about the Audit.
If the President wants a 100% majority for his political party at the upcoming General Election, then there should be a recount by a 100% independent body, in the presence of either candidates or their representatives as well as any member of the General Public. Results should be announced and displayed on a Score Board.
The EC has been a "Kanda Haliya" since the 2005 PE elections. I think his personality is ideal for anyone who wants to manipulate his duties and responsibilities.
come on commosioner you will be doing a nobel service to the nation. Dont be afraid or intimidated. come out with the truth.We only die once at least democracy will survive or you should resign.Why are you afraid we can understand.You will be hailed as a hero no dought.
Why should the Srilankans pay salary or pension who has failed in his duty? He is not even fit to work in the municipality. Damn shame for other Srilankan civil servants. How is that it was more than 60% in most if teh psotal votes for MR and less than 40% for SF. It is fraud fraud and nothing except fraud. Srilankans should agitate against this otherwise this collies will spoil the country for their own sake.