Categories: Headlines

Elections for 6 PCs due in September Postponing Polls a violation of franchise– Deshapriya PCs essential for LG bodies to function

Chairman of the Elections Commission Mahinda Deshapriya says that while the elections to six Provincial Councils are scheduled to be held in September, any attempt to postpone them would constitute a violation of the people’s franchise.

Deshapriya, speaking at a media briefing yesterday (22), said if the Local Authorities, which are to be established on the results of the 10 February elections, are to operate properly, the elections to the Provincial Councils too have to take place as they are essential for the purpose.

“Power has been decentralized between the Local Government, the Provincial Councils and the Central Government. If stability is to be established, then it is essential that these elections take place,” he noted.

Furthermore, he added the delimitation committee report, for the upcoming Provincial Council elections, has already been submitted to the Government. However, if the Prime Minister is not satisfied with the report and its findings, the Chairman noted, he could appoint a special delimitation committee requesting a fresh report on the matter.

He added, all political parties have agreed to contest in a mixed electoral system. He however, noted that there has been a spate of various opinions regarding the matter.

“The Elections Commission cannot advise any political party on how to conduct the election. We cannot have an electoral system that will make everyone happy either.”

Elections to six Provincial Councils are due to be held in September this year and elections for three Provincial Councils, including the Western Provincial Council, are scheduled to take place in April 2019.

AddThis Website Tools
Lankanewspapers

Recent Posts

LNP – ‘If we fail to negotiate on US tariffs, we have other options’: Minister on Sri Lanka’s stance

LNP – ‘If we fail to negotiate on US tariffs, we have other options’: Minister on Sri Lanka’s stance

Sri Lanka’s Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando…

12 hours ago
LNP – Oil prices fall into negative territory as Trump announces new tariffs

LNP – Oil prices fall into negative territory as Trump announces new tariffs

Oil prices fell to negative territory after rising by a dollar in post-settlement trade on…

14 hours ago
LNP – President appoints expert panel to evaluate US tariff impact, propose solutions

LNP – President appoints expert panel to evaluate US tariff impact, propose solutions

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed a high-level committee to analyze the potential economic impact…

14 hours ago

LNP – TN Assembly passes resolution to reclaim Katchatheevu Island from Sri Lanka

The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution urging the Indian government to retrieve…

15 hours ago

LNP – CID arrests trio for altering data to steal Rs. 27 Mn from Ayurvedic Corporation

Three suspects, including two women, were arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for defrauding…

17 hours ago

LNP – Trump announces sweeping global trade tariffs – including 44% on Sri Lanka

United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced a sweeping set of reciprocal tariffs, imposing…

22 hours ago