Representatives of political parties in Parliament have met with the Election Commission to discuss the scheduling of the upcoming local government election.
Taking to ‘X’, Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam said at the meeting, opposition party representatives urged the Election Commission to set a date for the local government elections that would allow members of parliament to fulfil their duties without disruption, particularly during the budget debate.
He said the Election Commission was informed that the opposition MPs are concerned that the nomination and campaigning process could interfere with their parliamentary responsibilities.
“It is apparent that the government is keen to hold elections before its popularity wanes. One major issue the government is likely to face is the timing of salary payments for government staff in April. This could expose the government’s failure to deliver on pre-election promises, leading to disillusionment among a large portion of its voter base,” he said.
MP Shanakiyan added that the opposition MPs urged the Election Commission to maintain its independence and credibility, by not heeding to pressure by the government. (Newswire)