Election Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya yesterday stated that the Commission has issued instructions to all DIGs and OICs of police divisions, to take action to remove any material promoting a candidate or political party, displayed on any private vehicle other than on the ones candidates use.
In a press release, the Commission stated that it had received complaints regarding the display of slogans, signs, photo-stickers, and flags promoting candidates and political parties on private vehicles, including private buses and three-wheelers, in contravention of the electoral law following the declaration of the Parliamentary Election. The release read as follows:
“Display of the aforesaid on vehicles, other than those in which the contestant candidates travel, is an offence under Section 74 of Parliamentary Elections Act No.l of 1981; and, therefore, action should be taken forthwith to remove the said materials pasted on private buses, three-wheelers, and other private vehicles, if any.”
“It is hereby informed that necessary instructions have already been issued to the respective Deputy Inspectors of Police and Divisional Police Officers in Charge; and through them, the Officers-in-Charge of Police Stations, to conduct random search patrols covering all police areas for the aforesaid materials.”
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