Presidential poll between 18 September and 18 October, claims Gammanpila

Tuesday, 9 January 2024 01:17 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Pivithuru Hela Urumaya Leader and MP Udaya Gammanpila

Pivithuru Hela Urumaya Leader and MP Udaya Gammanpila yesterday tipped that the Presidential election will be held any day between 18 September and 18 October.

He made this speculation during a briefing to the media on current issues.

“A lot of opinions have been expressed about the timing of the Presidential election. Unfortunately, these opinions are based on political predictions, not based on the law. Constitutionally, the Presidential election shall be held between 18 September and 18 October. Where does it say so?” Article 31(3) of the Constitution says.

“The poll for the election of the President shall be taken not less than one month and not more than two months before the expiration of the term of office of the President in office,” said Gammanpila.

He said that as President Gotabaya assumed office on 18 November 2019, the term of five years will end on 18 November of this year. Not less than one month means before 18 October and not more than two months mean after 18 September. Therefore, Gammnapila said the Presidential election shall be held between 18 September and 18 October according to the Constitution.

He also said that the Presidential Election Act specifies the dates for nominations and declaration of the election by the Election Commission. According to our calculations, the Election Commission shall declare the election and nomination dates any date between 17 July and 4 September.