LG polls postponed

• EC to reach to a decision over polling date later  
• EC decides not to hold postal voting scheduled for March 28, 29, 30, 31 and April 03

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya  

The Local Government elections which was scheduled to be held on April 25 will be postponed, official sources said.  Meanwhile, the Election Commission issuing a statement said yesterday it had decided not to hold postal voting for the Local Government Elections scheduled for March 28, 29, 30, 31 and April 03.  The decision has been taken following the meeting between the Election Commission and the secretaries of the political parties contesting the LG polls.   

Accordingly, Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayaka said that the Election Commission will reach a decision regarding the polling date in the near future after studying all these matters and relevant polling laws as well.  

The Commissioner General said in the statement that the parties proposed that if a new date is being considered, all parties, the Legislature and the Executive should be in agreement.  
Some political parties informed the Election Commission yesterday that conducting the Local Government polls on April 25, considering the present situation was not possible.  
He said the Election Commission had a long discussion with the political parties’ secretaries yesterday over the LG polls. 

 
The parties proposed that setting a date for the LG polls should be announced after the realization of the necessary facilities and the background.  
However, during the discussions, some opposition political parties present said the Polls should not be postponed further in any way due to the Supreme Court ruling. Supreme Court on 3rd March issued an interim order to the Finance Secretary and the Attorney General who represent the Finance Minister, preventing them from withholding any funds earmarked for the 2023 Local Government elections through the budget passed by Parliament. 

 
The Commissioner General said in the statement that the parties proposed that if a new date is being considered, all parties, the Legislature and the Executive should be in agreement.