Final Report on Election Related Violence: Provincial Council Elections 2013, Northern Province

7/27/2019 Final Report on Election Related Violence: Provincial Council Elections 2013, Northern Province

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All rights reserved

(c)Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV)

Material from this publication may be used with acknowledgement given to

the CMEV

For further information please Contact:

Centre for Policy Alternatives

24/2, 28th Lane,

Off Flower Road,

Colombo 07

Sri Lanka

Tel: +94 11 2565304-6,

Fax: +94 11 471460

E-mail:[email protected]

Web:www.cpalanka.org

www.cmev.wordpress.com

October 2013
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Contents Page No

Executive Summary 04 - 06

Pre Election Monitoring

Press release (field visit report) 08 - 16

2nd Press release 16 - 17

3rd Press release 18

4th Press release 19



Mullaitivu District Pre-Poll Report(Situation Report) 22 - 25

Joint Statement issued by Main Elections Observation Missions in Sri Lanka 26

7th Press release 27 - 29

Pre- Election Tabulation Figures 30 - 33

Pre-Election Charts according to Tabulation Figures 34 - 37

Photographs of CMEV taken during NPC Election campaign 38 - 41
http://cmev.wordpress.com/2013/09/20/northern-provincial-council-election-2013-mullaitivu-district-situation-report/http://cmev.wordpress.com/2013/09/20/northern-provincial-council-election-2013-mullaitivu-district-situation-report/http://cmev.wordpress.com/2013/09/20/joint-statement-issued-by-main-elections-observation-missions-in-sri-lanka/http://cmev.wordpress.com/2013/09/20/joint-statement-issued-by-main-elections-observation-missions-in-sri-lanka/http://cmev.wordpress.com/2013/09/20/northern-provincial-council-election-2013-mullaitivu-district-situation-report/


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Election Day Monitoring

1stPress release 43 - 45

2nd press release 46 - 48

Election Day incidents Summary by Polling Division 49 - 65

Election Day Violence Tabulation Figures 66 69

Election Day Violence Charts according to Tabulation Figures 70 - 72

A comparison of voter turnout of recent three elections 73

Profile of Voter Turnout of Recent Elections 74

Media coverage of CMEV 75 - 77


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Executive Summary

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Introduction: Context

The Northern Provincial Council election, the first provincial election in

the province for 25 years was held on the 21st

of September 2013. The

Tamil National Alliance (TNA) won a resounding victory, securing 30 out

of the 38 seats in the Council a four -fifths majority. The United Peoples

Freedom Alliance (UPFA) won 07 seats and the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress

(SLMC) won 01. Voter turnout was recorded at 67.52% with 7.5% of the

ballots cast being rejected.

Given its potential for a full- fledged return to civilian administration inthe Northern Province and accordingly, its significant bearing on

democracy, reconciliation and unity in post-war Sri Lanka four years after

the military defeat of the LTTE, the election was welcomed nationally and

internationally. First referred to by the president in an interview with

the Hindu newspaper in July 2012, in which he said that the election

would be held by September 2013, the holding of the election by that

date was by no means assured. Groups within the ruling UPFA

government such as the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) and the National

Freedom Front (NFF) were at the forefront of attempts, eventually,

unsuccessful, to suspend the holding of the election as well as to removethe land and police powers granted to provincial councils under the

constitution.

The holding of the election, which was also welcomed in the March 2013

resolution on Sri Lanka in the UN Human Rights Council (UNHCR), is

widely believed to be attributable to international pressure from India in

particular and a pledge made to the government of Japan that the

election would be held by September 2013. Indian involvement to this

effect was acknowledged by the newly elected TNA Chief Minister, C.V.

Wigneshwaran following a meeting with Indian Foreign Minister Salman

Kurshid in Colombo, soon after he was elected. It is believed that Indian

support for the holding of the November 2013 Commonwealth Heads of

Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Colombo, was employed as a key

source of leverage in this respect.

Monitoring

CMEV commenced its monitoring of the election on 1st

September 2013

through the deployment of field monitors in each of the provinces

polling divisions. Field monitors were trained and asked to swear a

pledge of independence and impartiality before being deployed to the

field. Once deployed, they were supported by staff based at the

headquarters of CMEV in Colombo. The latter further corroborated

incidents reported from the field before releasing communiqus to the

media.

On election day CMEV had, in addition to its field monitors a total of 283

monitors of which 27 were in 12 mobile teams and 240 were stationed in

polling centres throughout the period of polling. CMEV is one of two

national election monitoring organizations permitted by the Elections

Commissioner to station observers in polling centres throughout the

period of polling.

CMEV recorded 27 Major Incidents of election-related violence during the


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campaign and 57 Minor Incidents. In most cases (20), the alleged

perpetrator identified by party affiliation was the UPFA.

On Election Day, CMEV covered 616 polling stations or 71.68% out of a

total of 851 polling stations 830 in the north and 21 for internally

displaced persons (IDPs) in Puttalam. Of the 34 Major Incidents recorded

on Polling Day, the UPFA was identified as the alleged perpetrator in 13

incidents. In the majority of such incidents- 18- the party affiliation of the

perpetrators was not identified.

Observations

As elaborated in the attached situation and incidents reports,

militarization was and continues to be the major impediment to the

enjoyment of civil, political and socio-economic rights in the province.

The exercise of the franchise is no exception to this. CMEV as well as

other monitors recorded a number of complaints of threat and

intimidation allegedly by members of the security forces including the

Civil Defence Force, Their involvement in the campaigns of ruling party

candidates four in particular were mentioned in this regard- and even

intimidating presence on election day.

Militarization was underscored in the remarks made by the UN High

Commissioner for Human Rights at the end of her visit to Sri Lanka just

under a month before the election 25-31 August 2013- and as required

by the March 2013 resolution on Sri Lanka in the Council, in her oral

remarks to the Council just after the election. The High Commissioner

expressed her grave concern that civilians who had met with her had

been questioned by the military before and after their meeting with her.

The extent of militarization in the daily lives of the civilian population and

the political objectives it serves, attests to its embedding and

institutionalization in the context in which the election campaign and

polling was held. In this respect militarization clearly undermined the

integrity of the electoral process, with the overall voter turnout figure

and result representing a popular backlash in defiance against it.

De- militarization of the north has been called for in the Final Report of

the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC). CMEV

unequivocally endorses this recommendation and calls upon the

government to implement it as a key element of the post-war

reconciliation process and an unquestionably necessary one in a post

conflict situation defined in terms of the sources of conflict being neither

sustained, nor re-produced.

Another egregious violation of the law and challenge to the integrity ofthe electoral process was the flagrant abuse of state resources by the

ruling party throughout the campaign and on polling day. This is by no

means peculiar to the Northern Province and has plagued elections of

every type throughout Sri Lanka with the exception of elections

conducted after the Seventeenth Amendment to the Constitution was

promulgated in 2001 and the independent oversight commissions for the

police and public service it provided for, established.

The jettisoning of the Seventeenth Amendment and its replacement by

the Eighteenth Amendment provides an enabling environment for thisabuse, which in turn saps at public confidence and trust in the electoral

process, the basic mechanism of choice and change in a functioning

democracy. The Eighteenth Amendment effectively gives the president

free rein over key agencies of the state responsible for governance

including the police and public service as well as removes terms limits on

the office of the president. Constituent organizations of CMEV such as the

Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) took the lead on behalf of civil society

in defending the Seventeenth Amendment and in opposing the

Eighteenth. Electoral violence and malpractice was a catalyst for the

Seventeenth Amendment and we call upon the government to reinstitute

the Seventeenth Amendment, the independent oversight commissions

which serve as checks and balances on the exercise of executive power

and authority in particular. We note that this is underscored in the LLRC

report as well.

Concern, which CMEV also shares, was raised during the campaign period

over the involvement of the Governor of the Province in the election


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campaign of the UPFA. This compounded the controversy over the role

and powers of the Governor and the impact of this on meaningful

devolution in practice in the wider context of devolution in the Northern

Province. It raises serious issues with regard to the conduct of state

officials in elections, especially of key officials who have to work with

elected representatives from a variety of political parties and most

importantly in a situation in which the relationship with elected officials is

of fundamental importance to the workings of the constitutionally

ordained scheme of devolution. CMEV hopes that state officials will at all

times demonstrate in word and deed a commitment to uphold the

constitution of the country with independence and impartiality and

without fear or favour. Moreover, their failure to do so must result in

disciplinary measures and when warranted, after due process, removal

from office.

CMEV is also concerned about restrictions placed on the media, the

blocking of certain websites and the publication of misinformation.

CMEV notes that before the election was announced and the campaign

commenced, the distribution centre of the regional newspaper Uthayan

was destroyed in Killinochchi and later in Jaffna, its printing press. The

free flow of information and exchange of ideas is integral to the process

of choice and change an election constitutes in a functioning democracy

and must be upheld. Once again this underscores the importance of the

Seventeenth Amendment and the empowered Election Commission it

allows for in protecting and strengthening the fundamental rights of the

electorate.

CMEV recognizes the work done by the Department of Elections and

other monitoring organizations on voter education and the system of

voting. We note however that the 7.5% figure for rejected ballots is high

and urge that in future elections a concerted effort is made by the

authorities as well as political parties to address this well in advance of

the commencement of the election campaign.

CMEV welcomes the decision of the Election Commissioner to mix ballot

boxes from different administrative divisions at the counting stage so as

to make attempts at the identification and tracking of ballot papers and

location even more difficult. We note with extreme regret, however, that

monitors were once again not allowed into the count. This is a major

impediment to comprehensive civil society monitoring of the electoral

process. We call upon the Commissioner and politicians to recognize the

importance of local monitors and accordingly, accord them recognition in

election laws with clear and comprehensive elaboration of their role and

functions in light with international standards.

Acknowledgements

CMEV wishes to acknowledge the work of the Commissioner of Elections,

his officials in Colombo and throughout the Northern Province, as well as

the Police in the holding of the Northern Provincial Council Election.

Furthermore, the cooperation and assistance extended to CMEV greatly

assisted us in our work.

CMEV also acknowledges the financial support of the National

Democratic Institute (NDI) which made its monitoring of this historic

election possible.

Finally, we salute the voters of the Northern Province for braving threat

and intimidation in large numbers and overcoming a host of other

challenges to exercise their franchise. This ensured that though the

integrity of the electoral process was undermined, the final result

reflected the overall wishes of the electorate.


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Pre- Election Monitoring

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Northern Provincial Council Election - 2013


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No: 24/2, 28th

Lane, Off Flower Road, Colombo 07

Tel: +94 11 2565304 6, 5552746, 5552749, Fax: +94 114714460

E-mail:[email protected] Website: www.cpalanka.org

Northern Provincial Council Election 2013

Communiqu No 1

13th

September 2013

The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) officially

commenced the deployment of field monitors in the five districts of

the Northern Province on 1st

September 2013. Prior to this, the

CMEV secretariat in Colombo monitored incidents of election

violence through media reports and volunteers on the ground and

from 2nd

to 4th

September 2013, CMEV conducted a field visit to the

districts of Killinochchi, Mullaitivu and Jaffna. The field visit focused

on peoples attitudes towards elections in general and the

obstacles, if any, to ensuring a free and fair election in the unique

socio-political circumstances prevalent in these districts.

This report is based on interviews conducted with Community

Based Organizations (CBOs), Social Workers, Youth Groups and

religious leaders during the course of the field visit and is supported

by desk research. In order to ensure their safety, the names of

those who were interviewed have been withheld. The Report also

includes incidents reported by CMEV field monitors and complaints

made directly to the CMEV secretariat in Colombo.

Background

There is the lower incidence of election related violence in the

Northern Province as compared to the other two provinces in

which elections are being held on the 21st

of September 2013. This

is probably attributable to there being only one major rally in the

province as of 4th

September and election campaigns are yet to

intensify.

The most common sentiment expressed by community groups was

that they did not see elections as having a significant long -term

impact on their quality of life. Whist some said that it was

important to participate in the electoral process, other

interviewees from villages such as Ellukadu and Muhumali in

Killinochchi district stated that villagers are pre occupied with day

to day activities - they struggle to meet basic needs and are least

interested in voting. This sentiment was echoed in several parts of

the Mullaitivu district.

Key areas of Concern

Although the level of enthusiasm for elections, specific concerns

and the experience of individuals varied from one district to the

other and even between urban and rural areas in the same district,

there were several recurring themes which were common across all

districts and which have been highlighted below.

A. Military Involvement in the Electoral process

Although senior military and government officials maintain that the

number of troops in the Northern Province has been reduced,

CMEV monitors observed that the military was a constant presence

in daily activities within the Province. CMEV observed especially

large numbers of military personnel in the Mullaitivu district as
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compared to Jaffna and Killinochchi Districts.

Multiple forms of military involvement in the daily activities of

civilians, which have a direct impact on the electoral process, are

detailed below.

1. Role of Civil Security Department in the Northern ProvinceThe National Home Guard Service was established as a

Voluntary Service in the mid 1980's to protect the border/

threatened villages was re-structured to establish the Civil

Security Department by Gazette notification No. 1462/20

dated 13th September 2006. The current role of theCivil

Security Department(CSD) is as follows:

Agriculture Projects Manufacturing of Bricks Poultry Farms Assisting the Department of Archaeology in restoring

archaeological sites

Development of Roads and Towns Conducting of Primary Schools/ Pre Schools. Providing Security to Government Institutions (such as

Courts, Banks, Wild Life Conservation etc.)

Functioning of Garment Factories and the BlacksmithsWorkshop.

Training of Private Security Personnel. Special Tasks given by the Ministry of Defense.CBOs and civil society activists in Killinochchi stated that job

opportunities have been provided in CDS run farms and for

preschool teachers who are paid by the CDS to teach in pre

schools in the district. Several individuals alleged that

recruitment of farmers and preschool teachers are overseen

by two well know UPFA candidates in the Killinochchi

district.

In addition to the concern regarding the increased

involvement of military- quasi military state functionaries in

civilian administration, CMEV representatives were also

made to understand that there are serious concerns that

the military involvement also has a party-political dimension

to it. A consistent complaint heard across the Killinochchi

district was that job opportunities are provided on the basis

of party political affiliation rather than merit and that on

many occasions candidates who had the required

qualification have been rejected and candidates with lesser

qualifications and experience have been recruited as they

enjoyed political patronage.

When CMEV questioned the interviewees as to why

individuals were applying for jobs with these military units

whilst simultaneously raising concerns about the

militarization in the Northern Province, the most common

response was that many of these appointments came with

attractive salaries- it is reported that the pre-school

teachers were paid Rs. 18, 000 a month. In a context where

many individuals- especially in the Mullaitivu and

Killinochchi districts- are struggling to find livelihood

opportunities to sustain their families, interviewees stated

that it was hard to ignore such employment opportunities.

2. Army SurveillanceAnother common concern of people in all three districts was

of being monitored by Military Intelligence. Movements of

visitors and local gatherings are closely monitored. A social

worker in the Mullaitivu district reported that military
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persons in civil attire attend even parent - teacher

meetings.

A social worker in Killinochchi reported that village

functions and meetings are closely monitored by military

groups. Even if intelligence officials do not participate in a

meeting, villagers are subsequently questioned regarding

the meetings they attend and especially about discussions

they have with outsiders or visitors. In Jaffna an individual

informed CMEV that the surveillance was so sophisticated

that intelligence officials obtained a copy of a drama staged

by a Youth Group from the person hired to video the event

and subsequently questioned several members of the Youth

Group on the contents of the drama.

This degree of surveillance has created an atmosphere offer

and intimidation among people in the North Province.

Coupled with allegations that the military is supporting

UPFA candidates, this stifles political space and the room for

political discussion. People residing in the Northern

Province do not enjoy the freedom to express their views

and thoughts due to the pressure of being monitored and

harassed. Therefore the available political space in the

province, post-war, is at best limited.

3. The Role of Civil Security Committees (CSC)The Civil Security Committee (CSC) stems from a body,

which was originally created at the Grama Niladhari Division

level to operate as a social welfare organization. Initially

when these committees were formed they comprised of

civilians, however, subsequently the Police and the military

too volunteered to take part in the process. Several

individuals alleged that CSCs are used to gather

intelligence.

CMEV interviewed a member of a CSC in the Killinochchi

district who said "there is no work done in terms of

providing services, but what's really going on is that, they

(military) just want to gather information from us". Persons

who are invited to join the CSC are mostly those who are

active in social work. Therefore, focusing on them and on

their work is key to intelligence and information gathering

in the community. The member of the CSC further affirmed

that, most often than not, if they met with anyone deemed

suspicious by the military, the military would wait to find

out the nature of the meeting and the information

exchanged.

4. Direct Involvement of Military Personnel in Campaigning.An eye- witness in the Navanthurai area reported that themilitary was engaged in the election campaign of UPFA

candidate M. Remedius. The individual alleged that he saw

military personnel putting up posters of Mr. Remedius in

the early hours of the 25th

of August 2013. A villager from

Navanthurai reported that at a function conducted by the

military on the 26th

of August 2013 to distribute temporary

shelter equipment to villagers, Mr Remedius was engaged in

election campaigning and that large hoardings of the

candidate were visible in the background during thefunction.


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B. Issues Relating to the Electoral List

The 2012 electoral list will be used for the forthcoming NPC

election. The Northern Province consists of two Electoral

Districts. The Jaffna Electoral district includes both the Jaffna and

Killinochchi administrative districts whilst the Vanni Electoral

district is comprised of the Mannar, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya

administrative districts.

The Centre for Policy Alternatives in afield reportpublished in May

2013 highlighted the need to ensure the rights of the displaced at

the time of the annual revision of the electoral register.

In June 2013, the government took steps to enact theRegistration

of Electors (Special Provisions) Act No.27 of 2013 with a view to

restoring the right to franchise of persons who were living in

displacement when the revision of the 2012 electoral registercommenced, by registering such persons in a Supplementary

Electoral List. However the number of persons who have actually

been included in the supplementary electoral list is relatively low.

Jaffna Electoral District Vanni Electoral District

Jaffna

District

Killinochchi

District

Mullaitivu

District

Vavuniya

District

Mannar

District

No. Of

registered

voters as per

the 2012

electoral list.

426,703 68,589 52,409 94,367 72,420

No. of

registered

voters in the

supplementary

electoral list.

110 11 1,274 277 3,317

Total No. of

persons eligible

to vote at NPC

election.

426,813 68,600 53,683 94,644 75,737

(Sources: The Department of Elections Sri Lanka)

This has resulted in a large number of persons who resettled during

the past two years being deprived of their right to vote. In the

Pudukuduirippu East Grama Niladhari Division Mullaitivu district-

where approximately 300 families reside, only 150 persons have

been registered to vote as per the 2012 electoral list and only a

further 47 persons were registered on the supplementary electoral

list.

Many individuals who are unable to vote in the upcoming NPC

election stated that they were either unaware of the process to

register formally displaced persons in the supplementary electoral

list or that they had been informed that only those whose names

appeared on the 2011 electoral list but were removed from the

2012 electoral list, could apply to be re-registered.

C. Lack of Awareness amongst voters

This was another common theme that was repeated by various

actors especially in the Vanni. As this is the first time in 25 years a

Provincial Council election is taking place in the Northern Province,

even in areas with highly literate populations who have

participated in several elections, there is confusion as to how to use
http://www.scribd.com/doc/139678633/Field-Report-Jaffna-and-Killinochchi-Districthttp://www.scribd.com/doc/139678633/Field-Report-Jaffna-and-Killinochchi-Districthttp://www.scribd.com/doc/139678633/Field-Report-Jaffna-and-Killinochchi-Districthttp://documents.gov.lk/Acts/2013/Registration%20of%20Electrors%20(Special%20Provisions)%20Act%20No.27/Act%20No.%20(E).pdfhttp://documents.gov.lk/Acts/2013/Registration%20of%20Electrors%20(Special%20Provisions)%20Act%20No.27/Act%20No.%20(E).pdfhttp://documents.gov.lk/Acts/2013/Registration%20of%20Electrors%20(Special%20Provisions)%20Act%20No.27/Act%20No.%20(E).pdfhttp://documents.gov.lk/Acts/2013/Registration%20of%20Electrors%20(Special%20Provisions)%20Act%20No.27/Act%20No.%20(E).pdfhttp://documents.gov.lk/Acts/2013/Registration%20of%20Electrors%20(Special%20Provisions)%20Act%20No.27/Act%20No.%20(E).pdfhttp://documents.gov.lk/Acts/2013/Registration%20of%20Electrors%20(Special%20Provisions)%20Act%20No.27/Act%20No.%20(E).pdfhttp://www.scribd.com/doc/139678633/Field-Report-Jaffna-and-Killinochchi-District


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preference votes.

CBOs in Killinochchi stated that in remote villages such as

Thirunagar, Barathipuram and Selvanagar, communities have been

informed by certain UPFA candidates and Samurdhi officers that

their ballots could be traced, including party preference, with the

use of information technology. Implicit in this statement is the

threat that individuals who obtain state welfare will not be

provided with such facilities in the future if they do not vote for the

UPFA. This threat is even more serious when considering that many

of these individuals do not have access to livelihood opportunities

and are completely dependent on state welfare.

It was further alleged that especially in the Killinochchi district that

individuals directly working under CSD (farmers, preschool

teachers) have been informed by CSD officers that they are only

eligible for postal votes and that they should hand over their voting

card to CSD officers once they receive them. They were further

informed that in any event their vote had been taken care of.

D. Abuse of Government Property/ Resources.

The Samurdhi Authority comes directly under the purview of the

Ministry of Economic Development. Since its inception there have

been allegations of use of Samurdhi officers for election

propaganda activities by the government. A similar pattern was

observed in the Northern Province where there were constant

complaints that Samurdhi officers were engaged in door to door

propaganda activities for the UPFA and were also used as tools to

recruit people to attend election meetings organized by UPFA

candidates. (See also above Military Involvement in the Electoral

process and below Election Related Violence)

Serious concern was also raised about the activities of the

Governor of the Northern Province. Because the NPC does not have

an elected Board of Ministers the provincial administrative service

is completely under the control of the Governor. Allegations of

misuse of government property by the Governor include; Use of

the Northern Governor's official residence for meetings of the

UPFA candidates, addressing election meetings in support of the

UPFA candidates and use of government servants in the Northern

Province to campaign for the UPFA.

CMEV notes with concern that the Governors misuse of his official

position has been characterized as a legitimate exercise of his

functions and have in fact been given wide publicity by state media

outlets. CMEV would like to place on record that it is a well-

established principle of Sri Lankan law that public officials (elected

or unelected) hold the power/ resources allocated to them in trust

for the general public of Sri Lanka and not for their own personal

benefit. Using such public power for the benefit of one political

party or group of individuals is a violation of this public trust.

E. Election Related Violence

The number of serious incident of violence in the Northern

Province has been relatively lower than those reported from the

Central Province and the North Western Province. However several

important trends need to be highlighted;

Firstly unlike the Central and North Western Provinces the

Northern Province has a heavy military presence (discussed above).

The fact that these incidents -such as particular candidates

brandishing fire arms publicly and with relative impunity- occur

despite the heavy military presence is cause for serious concern.

Several civil society members interviewed in Jaffna pointed out that

such incidents are cause for fear and resignation amongst the

general public that the perpetrators of violence are above the law
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because they are tacitly supported by the military. This fear on the

part of the general public (and even members of political parties)

dissuades them from logging complaints directly with the Police

which in turn leads to a low level of official incidents being

reported.

Secondly the number of serious incidents reported to election

monitors has increased in the first and second week of September.

This gives rise to the fear that as the date of the election draws

closer and the campaign is more vigorously contested there is a

greater possibility of it turning more violent.

Thirdly there have been several reports alleging that Police officers

have not recorded the complaint made by victims of attacks in any

of the information books (i.e. C.I.Bs or E.I.Bs) but have instead

used a separate exercise book. There is also a lack of awareness

amongst the general public and even amongst candidates that

Police officers have to record complaints of incidents in an

information book and that the complainant is entitled to a

reference number.

Some of the more serious incidents reported thus far are detailed

below;

1. On 14th August 2013 at 9.00 p.m:Northern Province,JaffnaElectoral District, Kayts Electorate, at Ottreipanayadi, 40

Houses Scheme,Delft. As reported by Mr. Karthigesu

Nadarasa Kanagaratnam (TNA Candidate), 3 persons named

Mr. Ranasinghe Ariyasena, Mr. Simon Jesudasan and Mr.

Jesudasan Anthony were assaulted, allegedly by EPDP

supporters Rajip, Sudhan , Mohandas, Edward Raja, Ranjan,

and a CTB driver Appan. The latter allegedly fled after the

assault by van (bearing registration No. NP 253-5112). Mr.

Ranasinha Ariyadasa who was hurt in this incident was

admitted to the Delft hospital on the 17th

August. He said he

was hospitalized for 4 days and discharged on 21st

August at

which point he lodged a complaint with the Delft Police

Station. However according to Ariyadasa the Police took

down this complaint only in Sinhala and requested that he

sign this complaint. When the CMEV contacted Sergeant

Mr. Basnayake of the Delft Police he denied having received

such a complaint. Mr. Daniel Rexian (Rajip) who is Chairmanof the Delft Pradeshiya Sabha and allegedly a member of

the group of attackers, when contacted for comment

denied any involvement in this incident. Ms. P. Juliet, a

worker of the hospital, when contacted stated that while

the above mentioned person had indeed been admitted to

hospital he had given a different reason for his injuries (a

fall from a roof). She confirmed that the Police had also

arrived and taken notes.

2. On the 20th August 2013Northern Province, Jaffna District,Jaffna Minsaranilayaveethy (Power Station road).Father of

UPFA NPC candidate, Mr. Angajan Ramanathan attacked the

vehicle of the TNA candidate Mr.S.Thambiraasa, while he

was travelling in Minsaranilayaveethy (power station road)

in Jaffna. The former also attempted to take photographs of

Mr. Thambiraasas vehicle and shop in Jaffna town.

Supporters of Mr. Angajan led by his father allegedly

attacked the vehicle of the TNA candidate with clubs.

Further Mr. Thambiraasa and his family alleged that they

received death threats from Mr. Angajan Ramanathans

father stating that he wanted the TNA candidate Mr. S.

Thambiraasa to withdraw from contesting in the election.

Even though a complaint was lodged in the Jaffna police


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Page 15

station, the police failed to take the suspect into custody.

The suspect denied the allegations. It is reported that the

police together with the support of an army intelligence unit

provided security to the suspect.Mr. S.Thambirassa had

video evidence of the incident, which is available at

http://www.newjaffna.com/fullview.php?id=MjU2NjQ)

3. On 27th August 2013Northern Province, Jaffna District,Chavakachcheri. A clash broke out between Jaffna District

Chief organizer of SLFP and UPFA candidate, Mr. Angajan

Ramanathans supporters led by his father and UPFA

candidate Mr. A. Sarvananthans supporters at

Chavakachcheri. According to Mr. A. Sarvananthans

supporters, a group of Mr. AngajanRamanathan supporters

entered their office and attacked them.29 year old Mr.

KanagalingamNanthakumar from Kachchai Palavi North,

received severe injuries from the clash and was admitted to

Chavakatchcheri base hospital along with Mr.

VishwarajaVishwaruban and a few others who received

minor injuries. After the incident a large amount of military

personnel were deployed in the area and conducted further

inquiries into this shooting incident.

The Jaffna police on the 28th

of August 2013 arrested Mr.

Ramanadhan, father of Jaffna Chief organizer of the Sri

Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and UPFA candidate, over theshooting which had taken place on the earlier date. He was

produced before Chavakachcheri courts on the 29th

August

2013 after which he was committed to 14 days detention.

Further the Chavakachcheri Magistrate ordered the police

to investigate the attack on Mr Angajans security guards.

Later Mr. Ramanathan was admitted to Jaffna hospital as he

complained of a chest pain. Further inquiries into this case

will be taken up on the 13th

of September 2013.

4. On 05th September 2013at 10.10p.m: NorthernProvince,Vanni Electoral district. As reported by the CMEV

Monitor the premises of a government office (the NationalYouth Services Council in Mannar) has been allocated for an

election campaign meeting of the UPFA candidate Mr.

Abbas Abdul Rifkan Bathiudeen following the request of

Minister Rishad Bathiudeen. Several Government Officers

attended this meeting.

5. On 07th September 2013, Northern Province, JaffnaDistrict. Valampuri (a Tamil language provincial

newspaper) in circulation within the Northern Province haspublished an advertisement stating that 5,000 insurance

policies will be distributed amongst the fishing community

in the Jaffna peninsula.

According to these advertisements, the insurance cover is

provided by the Siras Foundation which is established

under the leadership of Mr. Abdul Hameed Nauman Siras

Mohammed. This individual is a UPFA candidate in the

Northern Provincial Council election. Additionally, the

advertisement states that after the granting of the said

insurance policies, the insurance cover will be maintained

under the sponsorship of the Government.

6. On 08th September 2013 at 10.00 a.m: Northern Province,Jaffna Electoral District, Point-Pedro at Maradankerny

Village. As reported by Mr. S. Sugirdan, (TNA candidate) a
http://www.newjaffna.com/fullview.php?id=MjU2NjQhttp://www.newjaffna.com/fullview.php?id=MjU2NjQhttp://www.newjaffna.com/fullview.php?id=MjU2NjQ


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group of between 15 -20 people arrived in a bus (bearing

registration No. 29 -7102) and engaged in campaigning on

behalf of the UPFA Candidate Mr. Aiyature Sri

Rangeshwaran, (Candidate No. 05.) He alleges that

Samurdhi officers and volunteer teachers were involved in

this campaign.

7. On 09

th

September 2013 at 8.00p.m: NorthernProvince,Jaffna Electoral District, Point-Pedro Electorate,

Kattaikadumulliyan. As reported by Mr. Yakopu Wimaladas

(PNG) one person has come to a house, broken the fence,

and forcefully painted the symbol of the TNA in black and

pasted 3 posters bearing the number 14 without the

consent of the owners. Though the owner of the house

informed the police they have only taken a note without

reporting it as a complaint. Persons claiming to be from the

Intelligence Unit have taken photos of the premises. Whencontacted, the TNA candidate contesting under number 14,

Mr. Chandralingam Sugirthan said he was not aware of such

an incident and completely denied involvement.

8. On 09th September 2013 at 04.35p.m: NorthernProvince,Jaffna Electoral District, Kaytes

electorate,Ambigeynagar, 7th

step, Velanai. As reported by

Mr. Karthigesu Nadarasa Kanagaratnam (TNA Candidate,

Jaffna District), while supporters of the TNA weredistributing leaflets in the area, EPDP supporters Mr.

Kandasamy Mayuran and Mr. Karthegesu Sinnathamby

have forcefully thrown away the leaflets and threatened to

kill them if they continued. When the Police arrived on the

scene the accused have fled. Police have taken notes. When

contacted by the CMEV, Sergeant Mr. Wickramaratne of

Kaytes Police station denied knowledge of such an incident.

9. On 09th September 2013 Northern Province, KillinochchiDistrict, Postal Voting Center, Zonal Education Office,

NallurMahaVidyalaya, (Poonagari Education Zone). As

informed by a teacher to CMEV, the Certifying officer of the

Postal voting center at the Zonal Education Office,

Poonakary Maha Vidyalaya, Killinochchi had acted in

violation of elections law.

The Certifying officer (Divisional Education Director)

allegedly checked the completed ballots of those casting

postal votes and allegedly also turned away several school

teachers, claiming that they were ineligible for postal voting.

However, CMEV was informed by the aggrieved parties that

many who were turned away had in fact received written

confirmation that they were eligible for postal voting.

CMEV immediately made a formal complaint in this regard

to Mr. A. M. M. Kabeer, Assistant Commissioner of Elections(Actg), Killinochchi. He confirmed that he had received such

a complaint from different sources and that a team was

dispatched to the particular center to investigate this

incident. Mr. Kabeer informed the CMEV that they did not

receive enough evidence to substantiate the allegation.

On 10th

September 2013 at 9.45 p.m: Northern Province, Jaffna

Electorate. Unidentified Persons on a motorcycle attacked Ms.

Ananthy Sasitharan (TNA candidate) near the five-junction in Jaffna

(on the Jaffna Manipay Road) while she was returning after

campaigning. Ms. Ananthys vehicle was damaged by the

motorcyclist who threw a heavy object against the glass window of

the vehicle on the side where Ms Ananthy was seated. The object

missed the window of the van and she escaped without injuries.

According to Ms. Ananthy three VIP vehicles with escorts passed by

her moving vehicle at which point her driver slowed down to give


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Page 17

DR. P. Saravanamuttu

Co Convenor

Mr. Udaya Kalupathirana

CoConvenor

Mr.Sunil Jayasekara

Co-Convenor

way to the VIP convoy. The motorcyclist approached from behind

to carry out the attack. Ms. Ananthy when contacted by CMEV (At

about 9.30 a.m on the 11th

September 2013) stated that she has

not made a complaint regarding this to the Police, due to fear.


Communiqu No 2

As at 4.30 pm on Sunday 15th

September, the following reports of

election related violence in the Northern Provincial Council election

have been received by CMEV:

13th

September 2013, Kodikamaam Electorate, Jaffna Electoral District,

Northern Province: CMEV field monitor reported that CID officers had

questioned TNA supporters about leaflets they were distributing and had

informed the police to arrest them. Police arrested 04 supporters of TNA

candidate Mr. Chandralingam Sugeerdhan (Candidate No 14). When

contacted Kesawan Sajanthan (Candidate No 13) confirmed the incident

and mentioned that the police had informed them that they were in

breach of election law. Kodikamam Police Station confirmed the incident.

On 13th

September 2013, A32 Road, Maravanpuli Junction,

Chavakachcheri Electorate, Jaffna Electoral District, Northern Province.

Ten supporters of Mr. Kajadeepan (Candidate No. 17), TNA were

campaigning in the above mentioned area when at around 5pm an

unidentified group accosted them and beat them with poles. The

attackers fled the area in a vehicle (No: 59-3641). Gnanaprakasham

Kishor and Raj Kumar Rajindan were admitted to the Chavakachcheri

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Co Convenor


CoConvenor

Mr.Sunil Jayasekara

Co-Convenor

Hospital (Ward Number 6) at 7.55 p.m. When contacted, Police Sergeant

Arjan Sunil confirmed that such incident had occurred and that the Police

was investigating it further.

On 14th September 2013, in the Point-Pedro electorate, Jaffna Electoral

District, Northern Province:

According to eyewitnesses who wish to remain anonymous for security

reasons, on the 14

th

a number of individuals attached to militaryintelligence and the EPDP obstructed a TNA meeting. They had told

people not to attend the TNA meeting, which eventually took place in the

vicinity of the community hall where it was originally scheduled, because

of military and EPDP actions. When contacted by CMEV, TNA candidate

Mr. Sugeerdhan said that the EPDP and some personnel attached to

Intelligence had obstructed the rally. When contacted, Sub -Inspector R.P.

Lalith of the Point Pedro Police said that the owner of the land of

Bharathi Community Hall, Uduththurai, had withdrawn the written

permission he had given for the use of his premises for the

rally. Accordingly, a separate venue had to be arranged for the meeting.

Police denied receiving any information regarding allegations of damage

to a loudspeaker unit in this incident.

15th September 2013, Siruppiddi South, Kopai Electarate, Jaffna

Electoral District, Northern Province:

Banana and beetroot cultivations belonging to TNA supporters living in

Siruppiddy area have been destroyed. When CMEV monitors spoke to the

villagers, they named UPFA supporters as the perpetrators on the

grounds that the latter have been demanding an end to TNA election

rallies. One of the affected villagers, Mr. Uthayarasa, estimated that he

has lost at least Rs. 20,000 due to vandalism on his banana cultivation.

Achchuweli police confirmed that they have received such a complaint

from two villagers (Aiyanpillay Rathnasamy Complain No. MOIB 234-39

and Manikkam Udayakumar MOIB 236-40) and had sent Police Officers to

the locations.

CMEV observed that the police had recorded this incident elsewhere and

not in the EIB book. Villagers however allege that supporters of UPFA

candidate Mr. Abdul Hameed Nauman Siras Mohammed are responsible

for this attack. CMEV contacted the latter. He denied any involvement in

the incident and stated that he had provided considerable assistance to

the people of Siruppiddy village.


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Co Convenor


CoConvenor

Mr.Sunil Jayasekara

Co-Convenor


Media Communiqu No. 03

On 17th

September 2013 at 12.45 a.m: Northern Province, Jaffna Electoral

District, and Karainagar Electorate at Kovalam. The residence

of Karainagar Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Velayudam Anaimugan(TNA) was stoned at about 12.45 a.m by a group of unknown persons.

Mr. Anaimugan stated that while he was returning from the TNA election

meeting held near the Sivakamy Amman Temple at about around 10.30

p.m the previous night (16th

September 2013) he observed 06 people on

03 Motor cycles in front of his house. Upon seeing him approach these

individuals had allegedly fled the location. Mr. Anaimugan stated that he

was only able to note the registration number of one motor cycle (VI

6465) but identified several persons in the group as officers attached to

the Army intelligence. Mr. Velayudam Anaimugan has informed the Police

emergency unit about this incident but has not logged a formalcomplaint.

When contacted by CMEV the Kayts Police station confirmed that they

received a complaint that the Karainagar Pradeshiya Sabha Chairmans

house had been attacked and had deployed a mobile police team to

investigate at about 1.30 a.m. The police further stated that as the

complainant refused to give a statement at the time he was asked to

make a statement at the Kayts police station within the course of the day

but that he had not done so. Police further stated that they were

unaware that this was an election related incident or that officers

attached to Military intelligence units were involved.

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Co Convenor


CoConvenor

Mr.Sunil Jayasekara

Co-Convenor



On 18th

September 2013 at 11.30 a.m: Northern Province, Jaffna

Electoral District, Chavakachchari Electorate at Mirisuvil Durgaiamman

Kovil, Chavakachchari.

Mr. Arunachalam Balakumaran, Member of Chavachacheri Urban Council

(TNA) - a witness to the incident- reported that, around 12.00 p.m, a

group of 25 to 30 people were distributing UPFA propaganda material

near the Mirisuvil Durgaiamman Kovil in Chavakachchari. Mr.

Arunachalam Balakumaran alleged that this group was connected to the

military and that two military officers in uniform were also seen providing

protection to the group distributing UPFA hand bills.

Mr. Arunachalam Balakumaran contacted CMEV at around 2.20 p.m at

which point he stated that he was been chased by a group connected toMilitary. It was alleged that the Army attacked the group of persons who

were with him and were campaigning for TNA. CMEV was also told by Mr.

Arunachalam Balakumaran that the OIC of Kodigaman Police station, Mr.

Edirisinghe, was present at the Marathankulam Pilleyar Kovil, the place

where the victims sought refuge.

CMEV contacted Kodigaman Police Station and was informed that the OIC

had gone to investigate an incident with a mobile team. CMEV then

contacted the OIC Edirisinghe, who asked us to get back to him in a short

while. Although CMEV tried several times to contact OIC Edirisinghe, we

were unable to contact him until 4.30 p.m. At this point the OIC stated

that, a minor incident had occurred near the Marathankulam Pilleyar

Kovil but as there was no official complaint lodged with the Police he

could not release any information. He further stated that he had asked

the relevant persons to come to the Kodigaman Police Station to make a

statement. The Police reiterated that there was no involvement of the

military in this incident. CMEV has been unable to contact Mr.

Arunachalam Balakumaran since this afternoon for further comment.

No: 24/2, 28th


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and Mudiappu Remediaas UPFA No 18 Achchuveli Police visited the


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Co Convenor


CoConvenor

Mr.Sunil Jayasekara

Co-Convenor



On 19th

September 2013, Kollankalati, Kankasanthurai Electorate,

Northern Province

CMEV Field Monitor reported that the majority of villagers in Kollankalatti

are in fear on account of unidentified groups roaming the village. Hereported that sections of the community were considering not

voting. Some of them had attended the Point Pedro TNA rally two days

ago and were concerned that they could suffer similar repercussions.

Property of TNA supporters was destroyed in Point Pedro after a TNA

rally there.

On September 19th

2013, Avarankaal, Kopai Electorate, Jaffna Electoral

District, Northern Province

Villagers in Avarankaal reported to the CMEV monitor that a Sinhala

speaking group was roaming the village at around midnight: they

allegedly defaced TNA posters on the parapet wall of the house of the

sister of Mr Ariyakuttu Paransothi, TNA candidate, Jaffna District which

also serves as the candidates party office. They are also alleged to have

drawn the image of a betel leaf on the verendah of that house and of

pasting posters of Abdul Hameed Nauman Siras Mohemad (UPFA, NO 04)

and Mudiappu Remediaas UPFA, No 18. Achchuveli Police visited the

location and removed all posters. A formal complaint has been lodged

with regard to this incident. The Police have recorded it in the Mobile

Information Book (MOIB. 249/47) rather than the EIB Book. According to

Sergeant Thusitha of the Achchuveli Police investigations are ongoing. He

further noted that the incident has been identified as one of mischief and

not one that is election related.

On 19th

September 2013, Wadukkodai Electorate, Jaffna District,Northen Province.

CMEV Monitors reported that last night, in the villages of Santhei,

Thillalai, Ponnalai, supporters of UPFA candidates Naumaan Siras and

Angajan Ramanathan as well as EPDP supporters, were seen roaming the

streets. He further reported that on account of the tension arising from

this, some villagers had indicated that they will not be voting.

Mannar Electorate in Mannar Electoral District in Northern Province

As reported to CMEV Field Monitor, villagers of Uthayapuram,

Vangalaipada, Pesalai, have yet to receive polling cards.

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Co Convenor


CoConvenor

Mr.Sunil Jayasekara

Co-Convenor



On 20th

September 2013, Chulipuram, Vadukkodai Electorate, Jaffna

District, Northen Province.

As reported by CMEV Field Monitor, the residence and campaign office ofAnanthi Sasidharan (TNA Candidate No1 Jaffna District) in Tholipuram in

the Chulipuram area was attacked, allegedly, by a group of military

personnel at around midnight on 19th

September. Some of the attackers

were reported to have spoken in Sinhala and were also identified to

CMEV as military personnel, on account of their clothing. Nine (09)

persons including lawyer Sugash who went to assist the victims, were

injured in the incident. Ms Sasidharan was able to escape the attack with

her children.

When CMEV contacted the Jaffna Police Headquarters around 12.45am,

the Police told CMEV that they were not aware of such an incident and

directed CMEV to the Vadukkodai Police. However once CMEV contacted

the Vadukkodai Police around 01.05am, they said that they had been told

that the Chulipuram area is not in their division. However when

contacted again, the police informed CMEV that a team of police officers

had been deployed to the location. As at 8am, the police also informed

CMEV that no official complaint of the incident has been lodged with

them.

CMEV is particularly concerned about the alleged involvement of the

military as the perpetrators of this attack. Throughout the campaign,

there have been a number of allegations of threat and intimidation of

voters and electioneering on behalf of particular candidates by military

personnel in uniform and by Military Intelligence and Civil Defence

personnel. Since the campaign concluded at midnight on Wednesday 18

September, the number of such incidents reported to CMEV has

increased

CMEV unreservedly condemns any military involvement in the electoral

process- the basic mechanism of choice and change in a functioning

democracy. Such involvement seriously undermines the integrity of the

process and in the context of this election, gravely undermines

reconciliation and unity in the country.

CMEV calls upon the Election Commissioner and all relevant authorities

to ensure that this involvement ceases and that all allegations in respect

of incidents of violence and malpractice are investigated and the culprits

brought to book. The protection and the strengthening of the institutions

and processes of electoral democracy in the country, demand no less.

No:24/2, 28th


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the central government, (b) the Government (and military) will


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Northern Provincial Council Elections 2013Mullaitivu District Pre-Poll Report

Summary:

There is widespread disillusionment with the election process, which

may lead to low voter turnout. Unacceptably long distances to polling

centres will deter others, since even where buses are being provided

these services will be minimal and are not free. The Election

Commissioners Office is doing its best under difficult circumstances

but is handicapped by an outdated system in need of reform,

compounded by inadequate funds. Yet, the systematic misuse of state

resources, notably of the Ministry of Economic Development, to

benefit pro-government candidates, and the deliberate violation of

election law through combining development activities with election

campaigning have irreparably flawed the democratic process in

Mullaitivu District. Military interference in the electoral process is

mostly indirect, though incidents of coercion to attend meetings ofUPFA candidates have been reported.

Description:

1. The general view of voters is that this election has no realmeaning in the present context because (a) their basic needs

of livelihoods, land and freedom from fear and control have

not been met, and (b) the Northern Provincial Council will

have no autonomy, with the Chief Minister serving as a

messenger of the Governor, who in turn is the messenger ofthe President.

2. A campaign of deliberate disinformation has been carriedout by vested interests to convince rural voters that (a) voting

against the Government will only result in cessation of all

development activities because funds will not be released by

the central government, (b) the Government (and military) will

be able to find out which party and candidate each person

voted for, and there will be serious consequences as a result,

and (c) the (Supreme) Court has ruled that the TNA will be

disqualified so all votes for them will be worthless. On the

positive side, the Election Commissioners Office has

conducted voter education workshops in each of the 136

villages, and has reassured voters. However, Minister Basil

Rajapakshas most recent statements that developmentinitiatives will be jeopardised if the TNA wins has further

fuelled voters fears.

3. Transportation to and from polling centres is a serious issuefor many voters in the district. At least 3500 voters will have to

travel over 5km to reach their respective polling centres. The

furthest distance is from Amaithipuram, where voters live

24km away from the Puthvedduvan school where they are

expected to cast their ballots. The Elections CommissionersOffice has arranged for a single bus each for 10 of the worst-

affected areas, but voters will have to pay the bus fare. Others

may have to walk up to 4km each way in the blazing to

participate in a process in which they have little faith.

4. The lack of identity cards is a concern for some voters.CMEV has been reliably informed that a significant percentage

of the approximately 500 voters in Kuravil in the

Pudukudiyirippu DS Division may not have valid IDs. Inaddition, some recent returnees who have only their Manik

Farm identity cards will not be able to vote. Also, since the

2012 list is being used, a significant number of current

residents whose names are only on the 2013 list will not be

eligible. In Pudukudiriyippu DSD alone it is estimated that

around 1000 persons have lost their voting rights as a result.


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5. The systematic misuse of state resources and direct violationof election law to benefit UPFA candidates are so serious as to

mar the electoral process irrevocably. The Ministry of

Economic Development is the main culprit. UPFA candidates

who are former senior employees of the ministry serving at

Deputy Project Director Level have access to Ministry vehicles

and staff for campaign work. 172 Samurdhi Development

Officers were hired in the district in violation of election law,and their role in the current context is clear. In addition, 150

CPRs hired under the Re-Awakening Project, it is widely

alleged, actively support the UPFA campaign at the village

level.

The stage and access area clearly indicated that it was in fact a UPFA meeting

The location of the meeting was in the Helambawewa Army Camp

Maheweli Authority and NHDA banners are being taken down by

government staff.

to walk a long way back home.


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6. A blatant example of such abuse is the handing over of 110(or 500, the number varies depending on the government

source!) houses by the Hon Minister of Economic

Development to residents of Helambawewa on 18 Sept 2013.

While the Mahaweli Authority, the NHDA and other

government departments were involved, and the event itself

was staged adjoining the Helambawewa Army Camp with full

military (and MI) presence, the stage was decked in blue with

blue flags everywhere. Villagers were provided with lunch

packets after the meeting which clearly took on political tones

and referred explicitly to the NPC elections. CMEV spoke to

two separate groups of women going home with their lunch

packets, and their common response [in Sinhala] was We are

coming from the Betel Leaf meeting. One woman added,

They want us to vote for them, and we will, but now we have

g y

7. Military and Police support of UPFA candidates wasblatant. In Mullaitivu town the main UPFA candidates office is

next to the Mullaitivu SPs Office, and they are allowed to keep

large cut outs, posters and banners on the road even after all

campaigning has stopped. Police is deployed at UPFA rallies

and tamashas, such as the musical show sponsored by UPFA

candidate Satheesh Kumar in Pudukudiriyippu on 18 Sep 2013.

Other parties too violated the end-of-campaign regulation, for

instance the Muslim Congress held a meeting at Mulliyawalai

on 19 Sep 2013.

The plaque unveiled on 18 Sep 2013.

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress meeting held at Mulliyawalai on 19 Sep 2013


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However, the overall picture of the Mullaitivu District is one inwhich the UPFA candidates are free to violate any and everyregulation with impunity. On 19 Sep 2013, CMEV observedUPFA candidate No 6 campaigning in Mullaitivu town itself.

8. The militarys involvement is generally less direct, but theircontrol is pervasive. CMEV spoke to a group of women who

complained that the Armyat Thanneeroottu had asked them to

attend a rally organised by UPFA candidate Satheesh Kumar,saying that they will be given loans. Many had gone even by

three-wheeler and come away disappointed. Fear of

repercussions prevent people from even commenting on the

military, but it is agreed that, in relation to the election, the

situation is better than in Jaffna.

The blatant display of UPFA posters and cut-outs even on 20 Sep 2013, adjacent to

the Mullaitivu SP JanakaGunathilakas office in the heart of the town

A poster for UPFA candidate 6, a former Deputy Project Director of the Ministry ofEconomic Development, adorns the 591 Brigade welcome board in an area that boasts of24 hour police and military presence.


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Joint Statement issued by Main ElectionsObservation Missions in Sri Lanka

Mr. Mahinda Deshapriya,

Commissioner of Elections,

Elections Secretariat,

P.O. Box 02, Sarana Mawatha,

Rajagiriya, 10107.

18th September 2013

Dear Sir

Request to Make a Public Statement Ensuring the Secrecy of Ballots

Cast in the Forthcoming Provincial Council Elections

As you are aware, there have been several reports of incidents of

voters being told by various individuals that ballots cast at the

forthcoming election- including party preference and candidate

preference can be traced. This practice has been especially

prevalent in the Northern Province and specifically in remote

villages such Thirunagar, Barathipuram and Selvanagar in the

Killinochchi District.

Ensuring the secrecy of ballots is an essential prerequisite for the

conduct of a free and fair election as it minimises the possibility ofvoters being influenced. As you will appreciate in the context of

allegations of voter buying and intimidation, ensuring that

individuals are able to cast their vote freely and without compulsion

is of paramount importance.

As such, we call on you to make a public statement to the effect

that ballots are specifically designed to prevent anyone from linking

a specific voter to a ballot and that there is no possible way for

another person to decipher to which political party and candidate(s)

a particular person cast his/her ballot.

We urge you to request heads of all print and electronic media

institutions- including state owned media institutions- to give to

such statement the widest possible coverage in both the Sinhala

and Tamil languages.

We will be releasing this letter to the media in the public interest.

Please be assured of our cooperation

Thanking you

Yours sincerely

Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu CMEV

Mr. Rohana Hettiarachchi Paffrel

Mr. Keerthi Tennekoon Caffe

Mr. Shan Wijetunge Transparency International, Sri Lanka

of the following UPFA candidates;
http://cmev.wordpress.com/2013/09/20/joint-statement-issued-by-main-elections-observation-missions-in-sri-lanka/http://cmev.wordpress.com/2013/09/20/joint-statement-issued-by-main-elections-observation-missions-in-sri-lanka/http://cmev.wordpress.com/2013/09/20/joint-statement-issued-by-main-elections-observation-missions-in-sri-lanka/http://cmev.wordpress.com/2013/09/20/joint-statement-issued-by-main-elections-observation-missions-in-sri-lanka/


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20-09-2013/ 08.10h/ Northern Province/ Mannar District/ Mannar

Electorate/ Pesalai UPFA party office

As reported by CMEV monitor in the area, UPFA Mannar District

candidate No 6, Mr. Robert Pieris, organized dry rations to be distributed

on the night of 20th

September 2013.

On 20th

September 2013 from 6.00 8.00 pm : Northern Province: Jaffna

District, Electorate, Chavakachchari, Kodikamam area:

Villagers from Palavi and Katchai have reported to CMEV monitors that a

large number of youths are roaming these villages. The villagers reported

their fear that the presence of the youths could result in electoral

violence and malpractice. CMEV urges relevant authorities to take

immediate action to prevent any such violence or malpractice.

20-09-2013/ 11.00 a.m/ Northern Province/ Jaffna District/ Manipay

Electorate

CMEV received a report of posters of UPFA candidates on the sides of the

following roads; Manipay Road, Uduvil Road, Anaikoddai Road, Sangilipai

Road, Maradanamadam Road, Chunnakam Road. The said posters were

1. Mudiappu Remidios- candidate No. 18

2. Abdul Hameed Nafman Siras Mohamed- candidate No. 04

3. Kodeswaran Rushangan- candidate No. 12

4. Nadarajah Thamilalagan- candidate No. 14

5. Naganathi Ponnampalam candidate No. 16

New posters of the following TNA candidates were seen:

1. Iynkaranatsan Ponnuthurai

2. Tharmalingam Sitharthan

3. Emmanuel Arnold

There were also fresh posters of Democratic National Alliance (DNA)

candidates, mainly down the Uduvil Road. The candidates are:

1. Senathirajah Krishnakumar

2. Kankaratnam Loganathan

3. Sivasunthari Manokaram

Additionally it was noted that the deployment of army personnel has

increased noticeably. The increase of military personnel was visible along

the following roads: Manipay/ Jaffna Main road, Sangilipai Main road,

Savalkaddu road and, Anaikoddai road. It was stressed that members of

the military moved freely and frequently on the said roads, thus making

the presence of the army felt more strongly.

On 19th

September 2013 at 12.30 pm in Northern Province, Jaffna

Electoral District, Kangkesan Thurai Electorate.

CMEV monitor reported that he went to Arasadi Road, Kollangalati,

where he witnessed military personnel using black oil to deface posters

No:24/2, 28th


Tel: +94 11 2565304 6, 5552746, 5552749, Fax: +94 114714460


of all candidates. Thereafter no posters were visible in the area. Whilst

h ili d hi l ( i i N NP KW 1603 d

Sivalingam Sathish Kumar contesting under number 03 in Mullaithivu

di i h ld h d i f UPFA M


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the military was so engaged, vehicles (registration No NP KW 1603 and

CP PE4685) belonging to UPFA candidate Shiras and with posters of the

candidate displayed on them, were seen at the same place.

On 19th

September 2013 at 12.53 p.m: Northern Province Jaffna

Electoral District,Odupidi Electorate.

As reported by a CMEV monitor in Odupidi, from the 10th

of September

2013 a significant military presence has been observed in the area. Onthe main roads of Odupidi and on by roads, a significant number of

military personnel have been deployed.


Electorate/ Tharapurram

As reported by CMEV monitor in the area, villagers from Vellankulam and

Ganeshapuram were transported from these villages to Tharapuram by

UPFA supporters and given dry rations. It was noted further that the

villagers were transported in 3 CTB buses. The CMEV monitor further

confirms that the distribution of dry rations was organized by UPFA

candidate No. 4, Mr. Abbas Abdul Rifkhan.


Electorate/ Pesalai

As reported by CMEV monitor in the area, UPFA supporters were

provided with dry rations to be distributed amongst the people of the 4th

and the 8th

housing colonies of Pesalai. Currently the dry rations are

stored at the residences of two of party supporters identified as Rani and

Stephen whose full names were not revealed for security concerns. They

live down K. V. Road, Pesalai. The rations are to be distributed on the

night of the 20th

.

19-09-2013/ 23.15h/ Northern Province/ Mullaithivu District/

Mullaithivu Electorate/ Muliavilai

It was reported that an election meeting of the UPFA candidate Mr.

district, was held at the garden premises of a UPFA supporter Mr.

Thiyagaraja Arulvendan near the Katta-Vinayagar Kovil (Hindu temple).

About 35-40 persons have attended the meeting. A villager, Mr.

Kanapathypillay Dushyanthan of Mulliyawallai Central, Mulliyawallai

informed CMEV about the meeting. He stated that the meeting had

started around 10 pm and by the time he had called CMEV, around

11.15pm, the meeting was still going on.

19-09-2013/ 23.17/ Northern Province/ Mannar District/ Mannar

Electorate/ Mannar town, Tharapurram, Puthukkudiyairuppu

As reported by CMEV monitor posters of the following UPFA, TNA, UNP

and SLMC candidates, respectively were put up in the aforementioned

areas:

UPFA

1. Candidate No. 04 Mr. Abdul Abbas Rifkhan

2. Candidate No. 06 Mr. Robert Pieris

TNA

1. Candidate No. 03 Mr. Irudayanathan Charles Nirmalanathan

UNP

1. Candidate No. 02 Mr. Abdul Kaseem Rahumathulla

SLMC

Candidate No. 08 Habib Mohamed Rayees

The aforementioned posters appeared mostly in the following areas:

Karisal, Olaiththuduwai, Puthukkudiyairuppu, Thottaweli, and

Tharapurram

19-09-2013/ 23.53h/ Northern Province/ Vavuniya District/ Vavuniya

Electorate/ Cinna Cippikulam Cheddikulam


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Page 30


Co Convenor


CoConvenor

Mr.Sunil Jayasekara

Co-Convenor

Electorate/ Cinna Cippikulam, Cheddikulam

As reported by CMEV monitor, UPFA candidate No 7, Mr. Mohideen Kani

Sego Munajithu and around 8 to 10 supporters of the UPFA have done

house-to-house visits and handed cash to residents in the Cinna

Cippikulam village within the Cheddikulam DS Division in Vavuniya. The

report also indicates that the campaigning was carried out in the vehicle

bearing registration number NP-JP 7100.

20-09-2013/07.39h/ Northern Province/ Jaffna District

UPFA candidate Mr. Angajan Ramanathan still continues his campaigning

via short messaging system, conducted through a message centre

identified by the number +46701326101. This was reported by a CMEV

monitor who received the text message.


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Page 31

Source: Centre for Monitoring Election Violence

Pre Election Violations Table I

Pre Election Violations Table II


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Pre Election Violations Table II


Pre Election Violations Table III


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Pre Election Violations Table III



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Page 34

Pre Election Violations Table IV



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Major Incidents

32%

Minor Incidents

68%

7%3%

26%

11%

41%

4%4%4%

Muder

Attempted Muder

Hurt

Grievous Hurt

Assault

Threat & Intimidation

Misuse of State Resoueces

Robbery

Arson

Abduction

Damage to Property

9%9%

82%

Mischief

Threat

election offence

other

Figure 01

Figure 02 Figure 03


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Page 36

Total Number of Incidents

Alleged Perpetrators by Party (84)

Major Incidents-Alleged Perpetrators by Party (27)

Minor Incidents- Alleged Perpetrators by Party (57)

54

2

9

1 1 1

3

13

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

UPFA UNP ITAK DUA DP SLMC INDE 1 PNG

NumberofIncident

Political Party

20

01

0 0 0 0

6

0

5

10

15

20

25

UPFA UNP ITAK DUA DP SLMC INDE 1 PNG

Numbero

fIncident

Political Party

34

2

8

1

4

13

7

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

UPFA UNP ITAK DUA PD SLMC INDE 1 PNG

NumberofIncident

Political Party

Figure 06Figure 04

Figure 05

Profile of Alleged Major Violations by Party (27)Fi 07


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Page 37

2

1

5

22

1

10

1 11

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

UPFA ITAK Party Not Given

Numberof

Incidents

Cate or of Offences and arties

Murder

Attempted Murder

Grievous Hurt

Hurt

Assault

Threat & Intimidation

Misuse of State Resoueces

Robbery

Arson

Abduction

Damage to Property

Profile of Alleged Minor Violations by Party (57)

1 1

42

12

31

2

8

13

1

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

UPFA UNP ITAK DUA DP SLMC PNG

Num

berofIncidents

Category of offences and parties

Mischief

Threat

Election Offence

Other

Figure 08

Figure 07


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Page 38

4

15

0

11

8

7 7

4

0

6

2

19

0

1

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

NumberofIncident

s

ElectorateFigure 09


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Page 39

Motorbike damaged during an attack on the residence of Ananthy

Shashitharan, TNA Candidate, NPC Election 2013

S.Krishnakumar, Jaffna group leader of the Democratic Party who was

injured during an attack by unidentified persons NPC Election 2013

Candidate posters at a bus halt, in the Musali area in Mannar, displayed

during the pre-election period. NPC Election 2013

Slogans drawn in the Arippu region of Mannar, during pre-election

campaign. NPC Election 2013


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Poster displayed on Election day in the Wadukkodai area of Jaffna, NPC

Election 2013

Symbols displayed on the Manippai- Maraathanarumadam Road, Jaffna,

NPC Election 2013

Damaged campaign office premises of the UPFA Candidate Siras

Mohamad, at Arukalmadam in Jaffna, NPC Election 2013

Extensive damage to an agricultural cultivation belonging to a supporter of

the TNA, in Kopai, NPC Election 2013


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Page 41

Wadukkodai road being used for election campaign, NPC Election 2013. Threatening leaflets which were distributed on Election day in

Chavakacheri, NPC Election 2013.

Posters displayed on the walls of the Kumulamunai school, Manipai, NPC

Election 2013.

Poster which was displayed all around Jaffna on Election Day, NPC Election

2013.


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A34 Road in Mankulum, Mullaitvu used for displayof symbols, NPC Election 2013.

More damages incurred during the attack on theresidence of Ananthy Shashitharan, TNA

Candidate, NPC Election 2013.

Symbols on a road in Mullaitivu, NPC Election 2013.


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Election Day Monitoring

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Northern Provincial Council Election - 2013

CMEV was formed in 1997 by the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), the

Free Media Movement (FMM) and the Coalition against Political Violence

as an independent and non partisan organisation to monitor the


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21st

September 2013 - 1200 pm

Communiqu No 8

CMEV has received complaints of a number of incidents on election day

since polls opened at 7 am, including an assault, intimidation of voters,

campaigning near polling stations and distribution of food items while

canvassing. As of twelve noon there had been a moderate turnout in

urban areas in Jaffna. However, CMEV has also received reports that

there has been low turnout in other areas, including in Mullaitivu

districts. In these areas voters had to travel significant distances, up to 22

km to get to polling stations. CMEV had raised this issue with the Election

Commissioner who provided assurances that transport would be

provided free of charge but as of 12 noon transport is very limited or not

available. Specific incidents where voters have been intimidated,

allegedly by UPFA politicians and the military have resulted in fear among

voters in these locations.

On election day, September 21st, CMEV deployed 240 election monitors

at individual polling stations in addition to 17 field monitors and 8 mobile

units. All CMEV reports and communiqus and the CMEV Incidents

Google Map can be accessed online athttp://cmev.wordpress.com .

p p g

incidence of election related violence. Currently, CMEV is made up on

CPA, FMM and INFORM Human Rights Documentation Centre.

Some of the main incidents include

Northern Province, No 50,Kokkupaddayam Roman Catholic Tamil Mixed

School Silvavathura polling station, Mannar Electorate, Mannar District

As reported by CMEV mobile observer, Mannar district candidate of Our

Nation Party, Abdul Salam Mohomad Hilmy contesting under No.01 has

been allegedly assaulted by the body guards of Ministe

Documents

Final Report on Election Related Violence: Provincial Council Elections 2013, Northern Province