Assets not declared by majority of contenders: PAFFEREL

Not even ten per cent of the contenders at the upcoming General elections have declared their assets, claims polls watchdog the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL).

PAFFREL chairman Rohana Hettiarachchi told Adaderana this afternoon that this action by the would-be legislators tantamounts to either of two reasons. They have accumulated wealth while being in Parliament or they expect to do so once elected to office. The voters should know who their representatives are, he added.

On the large number of independent groups and minor political parties joining the fray, Mr. Hettiarachchi said that it was a waste of time and resources. Such parties and groups only contribute to the expenses incurred during elections and tax the resources of the Elections Department, he said.

“The government should amend existing legislations to bar those minor groups and parties from contesting. The way things are, very soon we will run out of symbols for these parties,� he said on a lighter note.

Pointing out at a district like Digamadulla, Mr. Hettiarachchi said that the long list of contestants made the ballot paper very long and the government has to spend on the printing of such ballot papers. The same district had to be provided with extra ballot boxes as well because the boxes had filled up quickly.