Opposition MPs urge Presidential Election as scheduled amidst delay concerns

• Request follows two Fundamental Rights petitions filed to halt the Presidential Election

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

A significant number of MPs from the opposition have  requested the Election Commission to expedite the forthcoming  Presidential Election, citing concerns over potential attempts to delay  the polls.   

Led by prominent figures within the Samagi Jana Balawegaya  (SJB) and independent opposition MPs, the coalition of parliamentarians  has underscored the critical need for the election to be conducted at  the earliest feasible date.    

In a joint letter addressed to the Election Commission, the  MPs expressed apprehension about purported efforts by the current  government to postpone the scheduled 2024 Presidential Election.   

Meanwhile, a spokesman from the Commission confirmed that  the letter was received by the Commission. “The commission officials  will discuss its contents and communicate with the concerned parties  accordingly,” he told Daily Mirror.   

The official request comes against the backdrop of two  Fundamental Rights petitions filed in the past two weeks seeking to halt  the conduct of the Presidential Election by the Election Commission.  While the Supreme Court has dismissed one of these petitions, the fate  of the other remains pending, as it was filed as recently as yesterday.