By Lakmal Sooriyagoda

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has been gravely concerned of attempts by the Government to interfere in the exercise of franchise by the people at the elections to local authorities.   

The BASL in a statement urged the Chairman and members of the Elections Commission and all public officers to continue to act according to the Constitution and the law so that the franchise of the people will be protected.   

The BASL specifically refers to the decision of the Government on the 9th of January 2023 to instruct the Secretary, Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government to direct all District Secretaries and Government Agents not to accept deposits from candidates for the Local Authorities election, until further notice and the consequent circular sent to District Secretaries and Government Agents by the Secretary to the Ministry which has now been apparently recalled.   

The BASL is firmly of the view that the Elections Commission should be allowed to exercise its powers mandated under the Constitution and the law without interference. The President and the Government must refrain from taking any steps which could be construed as an interference with the independent functions of that Commission and with the exercise of the franchise by the people, the statement added.   

The statement further noted that any unlawful attempt to interfere with the exercise of the franchise and any attempt to prevent people from exercising their sovereign right to choose their representatives at whatever level of Government will be a blatant attack on the Rule of Law and Democracy in Sri Lanka. Such a move will have far reaching consequences.   
The BASL noted that notwithstanding the decision by the Government by letter dated 10th January 2023, the Commissioner General of Elections has called upon the returning officers to continue to accept deposits.   

- BASL is firmly of the view that the Elections Commission should be allowed to exercise its powers mandated under the Constitution and the law without interference.