WATCH : “There is no election to be postponed” President slams EC

February 23, 2023 at 11:56 AM

The National Election Commission has not taken an official decision on a date to hold the Local Government Election, President Ranil Wickremesinghe informed the Parliament today.

Addressing the Parliament, the President said, “The election has not been postponed. There was no election in the first place for it to be postponed.”

Commenting on the motion filed at the Supreme Court against the Finance Ministry Secretary and other officials, the President stated that the claim by the Election Commission that the Finance Ministry Secretary has informed the Treasury that the Ministry is unable to provide the necessary funds for the election is false. 

“In December 2022, I informed the Election Commission members that it was not feasible to conduct an election under the current circumstances due to the economic crisis and an election can be held after the number of Local Government members is reduced to 5000,” he revealed. 

President Wickremesinghe pointed out that following the passage of the 21st Amendment to the Constitution, the National Election Commission was identified as a caretaker Commission that is operational on a temporary basis and reports to the Parliament.

He further stated that during a meeting with the Commission members, along with the Prime Minister and Attorney General, a suggestion was made to hold the election on 23rd December 2022, but the Commission had informed it was not possible as a decision had not been taken on the date for the acceptance of nominations. 

Even though the Attorney General advised the Commission to discuss and nominate a date for election nominations, the President said they did not do so due to a difference of opinion among the Election Commission members. 

President Wickremesinghe stated that while the budget 2023 was being prepared Rs. 8 billion was estimated for the election, however after the budget was passed, the Election Commission had issued a letter requesting Rs. 5 billion when the government was looking at a budget between Rs. 8-12 billion. 

“The Commission stated that it can conduct the election in Rs. 5 billion, while the Police stated that they require more money to conduct the election taking into consideration fuel price, etc. There was a significant conflict here,” he explained.

The President pointed out that another official has signed certain important documents requesting funds for the election on behalf of the Chairman of the National Election Commission, which is a violation of the Constitution. 

President Wickremesinghe revealed that the following letters that were sent by the Election Commission requesting funds had not explicitly mentioned that another officer has been vested with powers to make such requests and sign on behalf of the Chairman of the Commission. 

The President also stated that decisions pertaining to the election were taken by two members of the commission, while the other three members were made to accept the decision, showing a significant difference of opinion.

Stating that this proves that an official decision has not been taken pertaining to the Local Government election, President Ranil Wickremesinghe questioned how the relevant authorities can issue funds when an official decision has not been taken pertaining to the Local Government election by the National Election Commission. 

However, the President emphasized that there is no intention to postpone elections, adding that the government does not have funds for the election under the current circumstances, but discussions can be held to find a way to resolve the matter. 

“There is no intention to suspend the election. There are no sufficient funds now. And now there is no election as well. There are no funds to conduct an election and now no election to conduct even if there are funds. What are we arguing about here?” he questioned. 

Stating that the Parliament has the power to appoint a select committee to look into the matter, the President said the committee must be appointed and present facts to the Supreme Court to resolve the matter pertaining to the Local Government election. (NewsWire)