The National Election Commission has decided to file a motion before the Supreme Court over holding of the Local Government (LG) Election.
The Election Commission says that it will inform the Supreme Court that due to the lack of money, a situation has arisen where it is not possible to hold the local government election.
Election Commission chairman, Nimal Punchihewa, said that next week, the Supreme Court will be informed about it through a motion.
Also, the motion will inform the apex court of the matters impeding the polls including the lack of funds, delays in printing the ballot papers and other election materials by the Department of Government Printing, inadequate fuel supply for transportation and not providing police protection to the Government printing press, etc.
The Election Commission had previously given a pledge to the Supreme Court that the local government elections would be held.
However, the Chairman said that the General Treasury informed the Election Commission yesterday that they cannot provide money for the local government elections.
Chairman of the Election Commission Nimal Punchihewa further said that he will inform the Supreme Court about the inability to perform the work related to holding the local government election in such a background.
In the meantime, if the necessary facilities are provided, it is possible to print and deliver postal ballots within 5 days, says the Government Printing Officer Gangani Liyanage.
The number of ballots to be printed for the local government election is close to 18 million and 3 percent will be allocated for postal ballots.
Issuing an announcement, the Government Press Officer points out that in order to print postal ballots within 5 days, the related provisions should be released confirming that the budget circular does not hinder the expenditure for election printing.
She also says that if 50 million rupees are received to provide services including security, welfare, and electricity and facilities, and if police protection is provided, postal ballots can be printed and given during that time.
The government press officer also points out that the printing of postal ballots was delayed only due to the restrictions imposed by the circulars and the lack of security at the required time. Government Press Officer Gangani Liyanage further says that there was no influence on her from any party.
Courtesy: Colombo Page
