HUMAN RIGHT COMMISSION OF SRI LANKA - Annual report 2020 raised the issue of the non-inclusion of names of constituents in the Voter Registers at the 2019 election and urged the Election Commission to address such issues prior to the parliamentary election. The recommendations further required selecting neutral public places as polling centres instead of places that could be under the custody of certain ethnic or religious groups, such as places of religious worship; to ensure that Bikkhunies (female Buddhist clergy) were not deprived of the opportunity to cast their vote due to the issues they face relating to the National identity Card application procedure; to provide additional security however ensuring that such additional security will not prevent voters from exercising their right but to assure the people of a free and fair election; strict implementation of election laws; ensure compliance with media guidelines issued by the Election Commission; and taking steps to prevent harassment and violence against supporters of defeated parties at village and institution level post-election.  Guidelines for police officers and directives pertaining to activities of officers in the Public Service and the Provincial Public Services in connection with the Parliamentary election 2020 Taking into consideration the right of every citizen to vote, to freely engage in political activities, and the right to free and fair elections under the Constitution of Sri Lanka, the HRCSL issued guidelines to be observed by all police officers during the run-up to the election, on the day of the election, and the period immediately following the election. The Commission monitored compliance with these guidelines issued under powers vested in the Commission under the Act of the Commission. The Commission also issued directives to public officers and public officers in the provincial public service in relation to the presidential election to ensure that the election is conducted freely and fairly. The Directives emphasized that the non-implementation of the law and the abuse of authority including the use of powers in a politically partial manner result in violation of fundamental rights, and that in addition to holding the state responsible, individual officers will also be held personally responsible for violations. 69