Chairman of the Election Commission Nimal G. Punchihewa said that it is not fair for the subject Minister to hold the power to postpone the conduction of the Local Government Election and that such a power should be possessed by the Commission.
Despite any reason to postpone the Election being justified, some parties may view that it was due to political influence, he pointed out, adding that the Election Commission, therefore, should have the power to postpone the holding of the Local Government Election.
The Local Government Election has been postponed until next March as per the powers of the Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Governments, but after September, the Commission will have the power to hold it, hence the immediate conduction of the polls being of importance, Punchihewa added.
He noted that the holding of the Provincial Council Election which has been dragged in for many years must also be expedited.
Following the decision to amend the Electoral System, the Provincial Council Election could not be held, but amendments to the general laws affecting the holding of the polls passed by Parliament could allow the Election to be held in the old system, he pointed out.
The matter has also been briefed at the Select Committee and the Provincial Council Election should be held as soon as possible after adopting the necessary legal amendments, the Commission Chief stressed.
MIAP
