The ongoing pre-election campaign in the country lacks democracy as every rule in the book is flouted by the stakeholders on all sides of the political divide, independent polls observers said today. 

“Not only that but even the violence, intimidation and other forms of threats are also on the rise with the relevant authorities doing very little or nothing to arrest the situation”, Keerthi Tenakoon with the Campaign For Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) said.

He said that the biggest offenders were candidates and supporters of the ruling United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) as they attack each other on a daily basis in what has now come to be known as the ‘Manape’ war.

Close to a hundred incidents including one murder have already been reported from all parts of the country with the worst affected being the district of Kurunegala, Mr. Tennakoon added.

Mr. Rohana Hettiaarachchi with the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) urged the party leaders to instill discipline in their respective rank and file or else matters could worsen as the elections day draws near.

At the moment there are an estimated 1,681 cut-outs and 462 banners in some 2000 locations throughout the country, he said. “Some of the places include even the front gates of some police stations”, Mr. Hettiaarachchi further added.

He said that on the 16th police moved in at midnight and tore down at least 50 per cent of the propaganda material, but they returned the very next day.

“To be fair by the police they are up against a gigantic task that is growing by the day”, Mr. Hettiaarachchi said.