The holding of an election may not be possible given the current situation of the country, said Chairman of the Election Commission Nimal Punchihewa, speaking to a briefing yesterday (09).
“Money is not the only problem. Should a free and fair election be held, the mental atmosphere for the people to cast their vote should also exist. Are these people who are queuing up for gas and kerosene capable of making a free decision truthful to their conscience? So, to go for an election is to loosen this situation. It may not be possible with this situation. Also, people are very emotion and anxious these times. The situation could reflect in their vote, unpredictable of which direction they may lead to. Having it said, sometimes gangs and groups outside parties may be organised, and the security of the polling stations might be compromised. If so, it could be like the 1982 Referendum, the 1982 District Development Council Polls, or the 1999 Vayamba Provincial Council Polls. We do not need that to happen,” he said.
MIAP
