The United National Party (UNP) has urged the Election Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya to take the strongest possible action against those candidates or parties attempting violate election laws.

“The people are crying out for a free and fair election, but the signs of such a clean, democratic battle are already fading,” the UNP said in a statement. 

“We call upon the Commissioner of Elections to discharge his duties with diligence and impartiality. We demand that the Elections Secretariat insist that candidates submit their asset declarations. As Commissioner, Mr. Mahinda Deshapriya is constitutionally empowered to disqualify candidates who fail to abide by election laws. Three days after the nominations period ended cut-outs and posters of the some candidates still litter the streets across the country. The material is giving rise to anger and contempt among the general public. Yet why does the Commissioner drag his feet? Why will he not put his words to action? 

Mr. Commissioner, the ball is very much in your court. The decision of the people has already been made. The signs are visible everywhere. We urge you to take the strongest possible action against those candidates or parties attempting to thwart the will of the people. Nothing can stop the wave that has started against the inglorious rule of the incumbency, and if the Elections Commission stands in their way, the people will remember and condemn you for it. ” the statement said.