The misuse of state influence and resources for election campaigning has significantly increased - statistically and quantitatively - this year compared to previous elections, an election monitoring group said today.

This has gravely influenced the moulding of public opinion regarding the polls, according to Anura Karunatilake, Secretary of the Network for Election Monitoring of the Intellectuals for Human Rights (NEM IHR).

Citing one of major reasons for the misuse of state resources for election related activities, he stated that due to relatives of government politicians contesting for the North Western and Central Provincial Councils the resources of those respective ministries have been largely used for their campaigning. 

Similarly, due to several coordinating secretaries and advisers to Cabinet Ministers contesting the election in the Northern Province, the physical and human resources of those respective ministries and departments have been “openly” used for election campaigns, he said.

He named the Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Ministry of Co-Operatives and Internal Trade, Ministry of Sport, Ministry of Land, Ministry of Construction and Housing, Ministry of Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms, Ministry of Culture and the Prime Minister’s Office as the ministries which have misused state resources the most during the election.

Karunatilake stated that they had received a large number of complaints regarding Samurdhi officers and Agricultural officers being used for election related activities while many complaints received also accuse the Governor of the Northern province of using his staff and state resources to directly engage in election activities.

The Network for Election Monitoring has especially received complaints that the Governor’s tourist bungalow in Kilinochchi has been transformed into an election campaigning office, he said.

He stated that they have also received numerous complaints regarding certain sections of security forces personnel pasting posters, engaging in canvassing and other acts for the UPFA in the Northern Province.

Karunatilake further stated that the NEM-IHR has also received complaints of opposition parties being unable engage in election activities freely due to the actions of armed groups connected to certain political parties affiliated to the government.

He cited the trend of conducting sporadic elections in the country as another reason for the increase in misuse of state resources and influence.