The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) issuing guidelines to the police has stressed that police officers can be held responsible if they fail to take action against complaints of harassment during election times.
Quoting the Sri Lankan Constitution the HRCSL says complaints of harassment prior, during and after the election period need to be recorded and investigated.
While the investigations need to be carried out impartially, the HRCSL adds, the failure to take action owing to political influence or other unacceptable reasons is a violation of the Constitution.The Commission states no person can be treated unfairly due to his or her ethnicity, religion, language, caste, gender, political view or birth place. “It is a violation of article 12 of the Constitution especially if it (unfair treatment) is due to the person’s political views,” the guidelines state.
Meanwhile, it shows the distribution of leaflets, posters, photographs of candidates, symbols, flags and banners should be on par with election regulations.
It further added that strict action should be taken against hate speech, and those who misuse or cause damages to state vehicles, buildings and places.
In this regard, the Commission stressed impartial action needs to be taken against political parties or persons involved in election laws violations and sufficient police protection has to be provided to polling booths and other designated places.