Threatening calls to NEC members originated from Dubai - CID

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The National Election Commission said that it cannot be satisfied with the status of investigations taking place with regard to the death threats made to three members of the NEC.

A senior official at the National Election Commission speaking to News 1st said that various factions are continuing to make undue influence on the NEC in order to delay the Local Government Elections.

He added that certain state officials, attached to several State Institutions that should be involved in ensuring a Free & Fair election takes place, are neglecting their duties.

The Senior Official said that those who appointed the state officials who are neglecting their duties must be held accountable for the dereliction of duty.

The Chairman of the National Election Commission, Attorney Nimal Punshihewa has requested the President to intervene over the death threats made to the members of the National Election Commission.

The NEC Chairman in a letter to the President requested that an environment favourable to conduct a free and fair election be created.

News 1st also inquired from the Criminal Investigations Department on the progress made with regard to the investigations on the death threats made to members of the National Election Commission.

A Senior Official at the CID said that investigations revealed that the threatening phone calls were made from Dubai.

He said that a telecommunication analysis reports has been called for from the service providers.