By Dayaratne Embogama

Against the backdrop of the Supreme Court verdict that the fundamental rights of the people have been violated by not holding Local Government elections last year, former Chairman of the Election Commission, Mahinda Deshapriya said the Local Government and the Provincial Council elections could have been held in stages without any obstacle.   

He told the media in Anuradhapura that the postponing the local government and the Provincial Council election had been experienced on three previous occasions and that it resulted in violating the fundamental rights of the people.   

“However the Supreme Court had meted out justice to the people. It would have been more welcome at the beginning of the year. It is a fact that the country is facing an economic crisis.

However, judging from government expenditure for the previous year and this year to date, it is not possible to attribute the postponement of the local election to want of funds”   

“Secretary to the Treasury is responsible for the release of funds, but he evaded it. The people can depend on the Elections Commission, which is the guardian of democracy in the country and universal franchise to perform its duty” He further said