We need a national election, not PC elections: UNP

21 January 2019 07:34 pm - 11 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The UNP said today that the need of the hour was a national election but not a provincial council election.

Addressing a press conference on behalf of the UNP, Deputy Minister Nalin Bandara Jayamaha said either a parliamentary or a presidential election should be conducted.

He told a press conference media conference that provincial council election would not serve any purpose.

“A national election be it a general election or a presidential election will help the country at this point of time to resolve the issues, " he said.

“UNP will name its candidate once a presidential election is declared” he added. He said that the UNP and its allies will field a common candidate at the next presidential poll. He said the candidate will be common to UNP and allies but would be one who is representing the grand old party.

“The UNP is not divided on the presidential candidate although SLPP is divided as several including former Defense Secretary Gotabaya Rajapakse, Chamal Rajapaksa and President Maithripala Sirisena are looking forward to become a candidate,” Mr Jayamaha said.

Referring to the new constitution, Mr Jayamaha said this is the most appropriate time to bring it. “ If we fail to bring in a new constitution in concurrence with the TNA. Otherwise, we have to deal with Wigenswaraan and Ponnambalam ” he said.

“It would be easier if the main parties agree on the new Constitution as parties such as TNA would not be needed to enact it in such a situation” he also said.

However, UNP MP J. C. Alawatuwala who was also present at the press conference said compiling a new Constitution is not disadvantageous as such a constitution is yet to be drafted yet.” Some are shouting about a new Constitution at a time where there is not even a draft,” he said. (Yohan Perera)

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Comments - 11

JeffK Monday, 21 January 2019 07:38 PM

When the president dissolved the parliament they went to the courts and stopped it. Now claiming that we need a parliamentary election. This government lacks any sesnse.

Leo Monday, 21 January 2019 07:39 PM

What we need is elections that are due. Not elections that are favorable to the existing government

Nish Monday, 21 January 2019 07:39 PM

What is the use of spending millions to a independant election commission if the government can decide what elections should be held and what not like this?

Unchikun Monday, 21 January 2019 08:02 PM

I was watching (and listening) to a TV debate this Deputy Minister participated. It was to discuss the newly proposed draft constitution. This guy had not even read the draft document. People we should avoid voting at the next elections.

chanz Tuesday, 22 January 2019 07:24 AM

He himself said there is no draft. So, What do you expect him to read?

Samson Monday, 21 January 2019 09:27 PM

We need elections that are due without further delay. Next have presidential and general together. This will save around 400 million for the poor, unless others rob.

Ragula Monday, 21 January 2019 10:05 PM

First hold the provincial election so after losing it make change in UNP and come out with a Presidential candidate.

Jude Tuesday, 22 January 2019 05:45 AM

Yeah!!!, Scrap the PC elections!!!

Mann Tuesday, 22 January 2019 05:51 AM

If a governor can carry out people's mandate and carry out functionality of a whole province, why cry for devolution of power to provinces in the same breath.

ICE Tuesday, 22 January 2019 02:10 PM

Bring 225 new nominations first! Then we can think of elections.

NANDA Tuesday, 22 January 2019 09:24 PM

Please scarp the PCs if you are not interested in electing peoples representatives to those councils. Include it in the proposed draft constitution.

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We need a national election, not PC elections: UNP

Comments - 11

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