THE “COVID-19 PANDEMIC” IS USED FOR ELECTION PROPAGANDA BY CANDIDATES
With the onset of the COVID-19 (CORONA VIRUS) pandemic in Sri Lanka since 11th March, we received a quite a number of complaints on distribution of relief of goods and services, in a such a manner which benefited the propaganda
With the onset of the COVID-19 (CORONA VIRUS) pandemic in Sri Lanka since 11th March, we received a quite a number of complaints on distribution of relief of goods and services, in a such a manner which benefited the propaganda activities of different political parties and candidates who have submitted the nominations for the parliamentary election.
PAFFREL commenced gathering relevant information accordingly, and received complaints from many districts on regular basis.
PAFFREL received these complaints through their Long Term Observers, in respect of the inappropriate distribution of dry rations, safety overcoats/masks, food packets, and other issues related to the distribution of the relief fund among the affected.
When there is a proper state mechanism in place to control COVID-19, and especially when an election is called, acting to promote candidates and their political parties without giving effect to the state mechanism that is in place to help affected people is detrimental to democracy and this type of approach is unacceptable.
