MPs Express Concerns over EC’s Presidential Election Timeline
The recent announcement by the Election Commission confirming the dates for the upcoming Presidential election, set to take place between September 17 and October 16, has stirred debate among a group of government and opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) who advocate for prioritizing a parliamentary election, as reported by the Daily Mirror.
This reaction comes in response to statements made by Basil Rajapaksa, founder of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), affirming his party’s position favoring a general election preceding the presidential race.
Joining the ranks are numerous opposition MPs, predominantly from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), who advocate for a general election as a means to engage a broader spectrum of voters.
In response to these discussions, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has reportedly engaged with the government’s parliamentary group to emphasize the constitutional obligation of holding the Presidential election this year.
The Election Commission has clarified that while the presidential election is scheduled for this year, parliamentary elections are slated for 2025. Nevertheless, the President retains the authority to dissolve Parliament and call for a snap general election.
Despite speculation, sources close to the matter indicate that the dissolution of Parliament ahead of the Presidential election is unlikely.
In an interview with the Daily Mirror, Election Commission chief R.M.A.L. Ratnayake confirmed that the official declaration of the presidential election will occur between late July and early August, with nominations adhering to the constitutional framework outlined in Sri Lanka’s Presidential Elections Act No. 15 of 1981.
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