NPC Polls: C’wealth Observer Report Slams Military Influence

September 24, 2013

The Commonwealth Election Observer Mission to the Northern provincial polls yesterday released their preliminary report of their findings, calling polling day largely peaceful but noting with concern the heavy presence and influence of the military in the electoral process.

Maj Gen Mahinda Hathurusinghe - Jaffna Commander

“The heavy presence and influence of the military, including persistent reports of overt military support for particular candidates, reported cases of the military actually campaigning for selected candidates, and military involvement in the intimidation of the electorate, party supporters and candidates. The role of the military in the electoral campaign was consistently described to the mission as a significant obstacle to a credible electoral process,” the Commonwealth Election Observer mission said.

The Observers said any election was a process and not an event. “Despite the several positive features of the process, we noted issues of concern with regard to the electoral environment and the pre-election period,” the Observers said.

We publish below the statement in full;

Sri Lanka’s Northern Provincial Council Elections 2013: Preliminary Findings

23 September 2013

Statement by: Commonwealth Observer Mission

Jaffna, Sri Lanka                                    Read More

High profile investigation into soldier’s alleged rape in Haiti MONDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER 2013  Three senior officers appointed by the Army Commander Lt. General Daya Ratnayake are to leave to Haiti shortly, in order to investigate an alleged molestation attempt on a Haitian woman by a member of the Sri Lankan contingent, serving the UN Peacekeeping Missionin Leogane, Haiti Following is the release issued by the Army regarding the ongoing inquiry Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake on hearing the alleged misconduct took a very serious view of the incident and assured the UN of a full and impartial inquiry immediately in order to bring any offender to justice.  In addition to the already ongoing investigation of the Military Police section of the Haiti mission, the UN Commander for the Sri Lankan contingent in Haiti, has been directed to cooperate with UN investigators, if any request to this effect is made. The Army Court of Inquiry, appointed by the Commander of the Army comprises Major General N. A. J. C. Dias, Adjutant General, Major General E. K. J. K. Wijayasiri, Provost Marshal, Brigadier R. P. Rajapathirana, Director Legal, Major H. S. K. Jayasinghe and Major L. G. Epa. Three of those members in the CoI upon conclusion of its investigations in Haiti, the identified offenders, if any are to be voluntarily repatriated to Sri Lanka forthwith, to face a General Court Martial in Sri Lanka upon return. Apart from the investigation of the matter under consideration, the CoI team would ascertain whether there had been any lapse on the part of any Haiti-based Field Commander which would have led to the alleged incident. Any such Field Commander, found to be negligent in supervising his troops is also to be seriously dealt with, taking very severe disciplinary action. Simultaneously, the CoI would inquire into all other aspects as regards the alleged incident to ascertain whether there were any deliberate attempts by interested parties to discredit the Army and the country in particular.    Earlier on Sept 14, 2013, it was reported that the UN had commenced an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct by a member of the Sri Lankan contingent to the UN Peace Keeping Mission in Haiti, based on an alleged complaint, said to have been made by a Haitian woman.  Commander of the Army who has already gone on record affirming that Sri Lanka Army has a zero tolerance policy on wrongful conduct by any of its members, has directed the investigating team to visit every Sri Lankan detachment in Haiti and further educate the troops in order to prevent incidents of this nature. The Court of Inquiry upon return to the island expects to submit its findings to the Commander of the Army in the first week of October 2013, the Army said. Related News Army probing alleged rape by soldier in Haiti