UNP Gen. Secretary Tissa Atanayake while, filing a writ of mandamus application in the Appeal court requesting court to order the Commissioner to issue guidelines and ensure proper implementation said, the Elections Commissioner has become a laughing stock in the eyes of the public.

The application claimed that his contradictory conduct, Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde attitudes have raised suspicions. Attanayake sought an interim order on the Commissioner of elections to inform Court of any person or Institution that refuses to abide by his guidelines, measures and systems formulated and approved.

This application also wanted the Elections commissioner to comply with the sovereignty of the people , exercise of sovereignty, right to equality and equal protection under the law, as well as election to be free , equal and secret .

During the run up to the last Presidential elections held on 26th January 2010, several meetings were held with the Commissioner by party representatives. At one such meeting, the Commissioner promised to introduce the use of the pen instead of the pencil to cast the vote . But , throughout the Island , it was the pencil that was used to cast the vote and not the pen despite the Elections Commissioner’s assurance.

Mr. Attanayake said, what he had cited is just one of the many instances of breach of promises and lack of diligence in respect of his duties of the Elections commissioner .

Courtesy: UNP Media