PAFFREL want PC and Presidential polls on same day

• Writes to President saying legal changes can be done to hold both elections on one day 
• Says Rs. 2 b in public funds can be saved

People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has called on the President and Prime Minister to hold the Provincial Council Elections (PC) on the same day as the Presidential Elections. 

In a letter addressed to President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, PAFFREL Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi has called for the two elections to be held on the same day as it would save significant public funds. 

PAFFREL observed that both elections could be held on the same day if authorities would either work to amend the laws pertaining to the Provincial Elections or by bringing forward the effective date on which the Provincial Council Elections Act would come into effect. 

“Holding two elections in the space of six months would bring political uncertainty that would affect everyday life severely. Politicians will put aside their public duties and focus only on the elections. This will result in a very difficult situation for the country. Therefore the President, Prime Minister and Speaker can come together to change this situation by deciding to hold the Presidential and Provincial Council Elections on the same day,” the letter said. 

Referring to statements made by Elections Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya, PAFFREL noted that at least Rs. 2 billion could be saved by scheduling the two elections on the same day. The Executive Director also pointed out that if two elections are held close together it could create an “artificial wave” of support to one party over the other and therefore it made sense to have both polls on the same day. 

PAFFREL also pointed out that terms of all Provincial Councils have already lapsed with the exception of Uva, which will also end in October, necessitating the holding of Provincial Council polls as soon as possible.