EC warns politicians ‘Don’t make announcements, it is our business’

EC will be empowered to initiate action for the polls after July 17
Nominations will be called within specified timeframe as per Constitution
Only SJB and NPP have announced that they will contest

By Kelum Bandara

Against the backdrop of some politicians announcing polling day of the presidential election, the Election Commission’s Chairman R.L.A.M. Rathnayake said that it is the sole discretion of his office in terms of the Constitution and therefore others should refrain from making remarks.

Recently, National People’s Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said polling would take place either on September 28 or October 5, and requested overseas Sri Lankans to reserve air tickets to return home for casting ballots. Besides, Tourism Minister Harin Fernando also said that October 5 would be the day of polling.

Asked for a comment in this regard, Mr. Rathnayake said the Commission only had to decide on it in terms of the powers vested with it under the Constitution. He said the Commission would be empowered after July 17 to initiate action regarding the presidential elections, and polling could be taken on any day between September 17 and October 17.

“It can be a weekday or during the weekend. The Commission can decide on it. It is not the mandate of politicians to make announcements. We will decide appropriately,” he said.
Earlier, he issued a statement saying that the Commission will call for nominations for the presidential election within the specified timeframe in terms of the provisions of the Constitution and the Presidential Elections Act No. l5 of 1981.

The main parties are gearing up for elections. Some parties are expected to form alliances to support their candidates.

Currently, only Mr. Dissanayake and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa have announced that they will contest the elections.