lg polls gazette delayed

• Political parties also brace for polls with initial preparations to make alliances
• new wooden ballot boxes would not be made this time
• Election Commission has decided to appoint a spokesperson to  deal with the press next week instead of allowing all the officials to  make remarks  

By Kelum Bandara   

The Election Commission confirmed yesterday that it postponed the issuance of the gazette notification calling for elections to the local authorities until the first week of January, an official said.   

The official who wished to remain anonymous since he is not yet authorized to comment to the media said though his office wanted to do it this week, it would be delayed by one week. However, he declined to give reasons for it.  

Asserting that his office is ready for the conduct of elections, he said new wooden ballot boxes would not be made this time.   

“We will use existing wooden boxes with repairs needed. It will cost immensely to make new ballot boxes,” he said.   

The Election Commission has also decided to appoint a spokesperson to deal with the press next week instead of allowing all the officials to make remarks.   

The elections are to be conducted to the local authorities to elect around 8,000 representatives.   The political parties also brace for polls with initial preparations to make alliances. 

• We will use existing wooden boxes with repairs needed. It will cost immensely to make new ballot boxes