EU poll observers ask politicians to behave

By Nirupama Subramanian

COLOMBO, NOV. 19. A team of observers from the European Union today appealed to Sri Lanka's political parties to observe democratic norms to ensure that the December 5 parliamentary election is conducted in a free and fair atmosphere.

Expressing concern at the violence in the run-up to the elections, the chief observer, Mr. John Cushnan, said it was the political parties themselves that had the most influence to prevent it.

``I would appeal to the leaders of all the political parties to agree on a code of conduct which should not only give a commitment to the non-violence but (also to) disciplinary action against any of their candidates or activists who engage in unacceptable and undemocratic behaviour,'' he said.

Mr. Cushnan, who is a member of the European Parliament, described the recently-enacted 17th amendment to the Sri Lankan constitution enhancing the powers of the Election Commissioner as a positive development, but noted that he did not have the powers of enforcement.

``Because of this, I call on all political parties and all the relevant government, state and security bodies to cooperate fully with the Election Commissioner to ensure that the 17th amendment is implemented both in the spirit and the letter of the law,'' he said.

The prediction by a ruling party member that a victory for the opposition United National Party would lead to a deadlocked government as Mrs. Chandrika Kumaratunga would still continue as the President, therefore necessitating another election next year, came in for veiled criticism from the EU team.

Without directly referring to the statement, Mr. Cushnan said the refusal to accept defeat would not help the cause of democracy.

``If someone says they will hold another election because they do not like the result, I consider it a subversion of democracy.

When democracy speaks, it should be listened to and implemented,'' he said.

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Section  : International
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