SC issues notice to EC over delayed LG polls

The Supreme Court yesterday once again instructed for notices to be issued to the Election Commission of Sri Lanka (ECSL) Chairman and its members regarding the postponement of the Local Government elections, originally set for 9 March. 

This directive was issued during the hearing of fundamental rights petitions filed by several individuals and groups, including the National People’s Power (NPP) party. The petitioners assert that their fundamental rights have been infringed upon due to the delay in holding the Local Government elections. 

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Center for Policy Alternatives (CPA), and People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) were among the other petitioners. 

The matter was taken up before a five-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya and Justices Priyantha Jayawardena, Vijith Malalgoda, Murdu Fernando and Gamini Amarasekara. 

Speaking to the media outside courts NPP MP Harini Amarasuriya expressed her wish the courts would intervene in the matter expeditiously to protect the people’s right to franchise. 

“The current state of the country’s democracy is highly concerning. The postponement of elections and the introduction of new laws clearly indicate a lack of commitment on the part of the Government to uphold the rights of the people. Instead, it appears to be an attempt to stifle the voices of the people and their democratic right to express dissent,” she observed.

The MP expressed her opinion that the last bastion of democracy lies within the court system, and she expressed a hope that the courts would swiftly address the matter and issue a ruling that is in the best interests of the people, ultimately leading to the conduct of elections.