Quandary over nomination papers for LG polls due to changes in political affiliations

There is a quandary over nomination papers submitted for the local authorities’ election because of changes in political affiliations among candidates but the Election Commission has no choice but to proceed with the conduct of polls early next year, an official said.  

The election to the local authorities was supposed to be conducted on March 9, last year after conclusion of acceptance of nominations, but the then government cited financial constraints to conclude elections. Later, the case was taken up in court.  

The Supreme Court five-judge-bench headed by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya ordered earlier the Election Commission to make the necessary arrangements to hold the Local Government elections at the earliest possible date.  

The Supreme Court held that the Fundamental Rights of the petitioners and the citizens of the country have been violated by the authorities including Minister of Finance, the Election Commission and the Attorney General by not holding the Local Government elections that were scheduled for March 9 last year.  

The Supreme Court five-judge-bench comprising Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, Justice Vijith Malalgoda, Murdu Fernando, Gamini Amarasekara and Yasantha Kodagoda delivered this judgement pertaining to four Fundamental Rights petitions filed seeking an order directing the authorities to hold a free and fair Local Government elections.  

These petitions had been filed by Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, National People’s Power (NPP) Parliamentarian Harini Amarasuriya, the Centre for Policy Alternatives and the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL).    

Asked about the steps for the conduct of elections now since the General Election has been concluded now, Election Commission’s Chairman R. M.L. A. Rathnayake said his office would proceed with the conduct of polls despite changes in political affiliations of candidates.   

During the period since submission of nomination papers, some candidates have switched their allegiance to different parties. Also, new political formations have emerged since then raising questions about relevance of nomination lists handed over. However, Mr. Rathnayake said his office could not do anything about these changes but to conduct elections.  

“These issues are beyond our control. It is not our duty to address them. We have to honour the court ruling and conduct elections,” he said. He said the election could be conducted only in January or February next year.