VII - March 12th movement for clean politics
The Commission promoted the criteria for selecting political representatives set out in the
March 12th Declaration, which was formulated by Civil Society, in the public awareness
programmes of the Human Rights Commission.
VIII - Complaint handling
The Commission established a special unit to expedite parliamentary election related
complaints. 10 complaints were filed of which 2 cases were against the Elections
Commissioner.
The two complaints against the election Commissioner were on the
privileges of former President and the entitlements of a parliamentary candidate. The above
case referring to the former President was deferred as the same issue was pending before the
Supreme Court. Another two cases were against media agencies. One was referred to the
Elections Commissioner as it was against a private media and the other matter was settled.
Four cases related to transfers and recruitments to government institutions during the time of
elections. Two cases were regarding the arrest of a trade union activist from the government
health sector who was contesting the parliamentary election. He was alleged to have pasted
posters in official premises.
IX. Special unit for General Election
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka decided to set up a special unit to prevent
election related fundamental rights violations during voting. TheSecretariat consisted of a
Commissioner, the Secretary and a few senior officers of the Commission. This special body
functioned till 4.00 p.m. on the Election Day, 17th August 2015.
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