Sri Lanka - February 2023

Rights activists have expressed concern about numerous government attempts to delay and invalidate long-overdue local government elections scheduled for 9 March. Delay tactics noted so far include several rounds of talks held between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and his cabinet members after summoning the Election Commission (EC) to discuss election postponement after citing "financial difficulties." The Supreme Court issued a critical verdict on 10 February ordering the EC to hold the elections, which are now scheduled for 25 April 2023. Yet disruptions continue, with the Government Printer refusing to print ballot papers for postal voting unless paid in advance by the EC. Opposition-led protesters on 26 February were also met by police with tear gas and water cannons, resulting in dozens injured and at least one death. Critics allege that the delays come as the government fears they will fare badly at the polls.

Sources: Asian Network for Free Elections, Amnesty International, Colombo Telegraph, Economy Next