LG polls date to be announced only after nominations: EC

Election Commission (EC) of Sri Lanka Chairman Nimal Punchihewa yesterday said the date for upcoming local Government polls will be announced only after nominations have been accepted.

The notice calling for nominations for 340 local Government institutions was issued yesterday by the EC, and it will be released by district returning officers today.

Accordingly, nominations for the upcoming Local Government Elections will be accepted from 18 to 21 January, EC announced.

The notice will include the date of accepting nominations, location, bonds, candidates, female representation and other relevant information. Local Government institutions will have to be set up by 20 March and the election will have to take place before 10 March to meet the legal deadlines.

Despite repeated delays, however, it is unclear if polls will go ahead at all after a member of the public filed a writ petition before the Supreme Court this week, seeking an order against the holding of elections.

The petition was filed by a retired Army Colonel W.M.R. Wijesundera on the basis that he was informed by the EC that the election can only be funded through Government revenue or by obtaining a loan for the purpose. The petitioner questioned the benefit to the public and the country by holding a vote amidst a severe economic crisis.