Election Commissioner writes to AG about holding polls in selected districts

Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya has sent a letter to the Attorney General seeking legal advice on provisions to hold local Government elections in some bodies where the delimitation process has been concluded.

Sources said that Deshapriya was highlighting local Government bodies which could hold elections without further delay in his letter.

The Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) has also highlighted the possibility of holding polls in some districts which the delimitations are completed, on previous occasions. 

CaFFE Executive Director Kirthi Tennakoon highlighted all work relating to delimitation process has been completed in 64 electorates and have no issues in holding elections. He also said that the mapping process will finish within the next five days, thereby completing all requirements needed to hold elections under the new system. However, he accused different stakeholders of attempting to delay the process.

Accordingly, the Attorney General will make a decision on the legality of holding an election and convey it to the Commissioner within a few days.

 A fundamental rights petition seeking to hold the local Government elections in the Districts of Galle and Matara has already been filed in the Supreme Court.