Commissioner says criminals and thugs are contesting for elections

The Commissioner says that the political party leaders should not be allowed to undermine the democratic rights of the voters to elect their chosen candidate.

Proportional Representational system currently in place does not allow the voter to elect the candidate they most like, according to Commissioner Dissanayake.

Wealthy and thugs

It was reported that many criminals are contesting to be elected as lawmakers, he said, adding that the wealth and linked to thugeries are seem to be main qualifications to be an election candidate.

Dissanayake expressed regret that the local polls are to be conducted on proportional representation system though there have been talks to change the system back to First-Past-the-Post.

However he admitted that the smaller parties and minorities have been benefited by the Proportional Representational system.

NE polls

Local government elections for 261 local bodies are to be held on 31 March.

The department has put off the polls for 69 bodies including 46 in the troubled north and the east.

Commissioner Dissanayake refused allegations that he was responsible for postponing them.

It was the retaining officers of the relevant districts who recommended it, he added.

But he had to take a decision on some predominantly Muslim areas under government-control, Commissioner said.