The opposition has called on Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya, to appoint a Competent Authority for the media until polling day to ensure blatantly biased behavior by the State media ceases.
The main opposition United National Party (UNP) said that the Commissioner’s failure to appoint a Competent Authority would be tantamount to his condoning the behaviour of the state media in this election season.
The opposition said it was shocked and disgusted about the flagrant abuse of state power by a candidate in the presidential race who continues to misuse his authority as incumbent president.
“The Mahinda Rajapaksa campaign stooped to a new low yesterday when it broadcast his manifesto launch live on the state-owned Rupavahini network and a host of private television channels. The event was telecast live by the state media in violation of election laws, guidelines provided by the Elections Commissioner and all norms of fair play and justice. Furthermore, the broadcast was hugely embellished with praise of a singular candidate. Following the telecast several songs were broadcasted about the candidate that were not paid advertisements but a blatant propaganda campaign by state television,” the UNP said.
The UNP noted that the blatant abuse of power did not take place on just another day of campaigning but happened while public servants were casting their postal votes in a crucial national election.
“It is also with great alarm that we note that the private broadcaster Derana TV continues to air advertisements banned by the Elections Commissioner last week, using old speeches by Opposition Common Candidate Maithripala Sirisena. Derana TV telecast this advertisement several times on the night of 22 December. It is disturbing that Private Media heads failed to take note of specific instructions by the Commissioner of Elections regarding the use of another candidate in election propaganda by the incumbent,” the UNP added.
The UNP said that during election season, the Office of the Elections Commissioner is vested with full authority over law enforcement and the state media but still there has been nothing but stony silence about the travesty of abuse on postal voting day.
“Mr Commissioner, if there are powers that are attempting to influence your conduct during this election, we urge you to stand before the country and make your grievances known. The people of this country who stand for a just election will stand with you. At this time when the eyes of the entire country are on your conduct, we urge you to stay strong, courageous and independent, in the face of what must be tremendous odds,” the UNP further added. (Colombo Gazette)
