LG polls Govt to seek AG’s Opinion

• The majority of members in the Election Commission are against the opinion held by its Chairman Nimal Punchihewa that the local government elections should be held
• Some of the Election Commission members are of the opinion that announcing the date of the elections should be delayed even if nominations are called for

By Yohan Perera  

The Government has decided to seek the Attorney General’s advice with regard to holding the local government election in light of the difference of opinion within the national election commission, government sources said yesterday.   

Government has decided to seek the Attorney General’s advice as there is a division among the members of the election commission. It is said that the majority of members in the election commission are against the opinion held by its Chairman Nimal Punchihewa who has stated that the local government elections should be held.  

The election monitors are of the opinion that there could be issues pertaining to holding the election even if nominations are called in this situation.  

It has been said that holding of elections could run into trouble as the total cost of it said to be rupees 12 billion whereas the total amount allocated for the Elections Commission from the budget is Rs 10 billion.  

Some of the Election Commission members are of the opinion that  announcing the date of the elections should be delayed even if nominations are called for.   However sources close to the Election Commission Chairman is of the opinion that the Finance Ministry will disburse additional funds if needed.