President to declare poll today

20 November 2014 12:22 am - 14 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday received the unanimous approval of his party, Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) to declare a snap presidential election in early January, two years ahead of schedule, party officials said yesterday.

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa told Daily Mirror that the gazette notification, announcing the proclamation would be released after 12.00 noon today (20).

The President called for a meeting of the SLFP Central Committee (CC) last evening, and sought the opinion of members on his decision to declare an election at this juncture. The SLFP unanimously approved the move. The party also endorsed the candidature of the President during the meeting.

Constitutionally, the President can call for a snap presidential election after the completion of four years. President Rajapaksa completed the fourth year of his second term yesterday (19). It is learnt that the election will be conducted in early January, two years ahead of schedule. The President, who has already served two terms, was allowed to ask for re-election for a third term after the two term limit on the presidency was removed after the incorporation of the 18th Amendment to the Constitution.

Meanwhile, the Central Committee had also discussed the appointment of electoral organisers yesterday. It is learnt that MP Wasantha Senanayake, who was speculated to be planning to cross over, is now tipped to be appointed as the party’s organiser of the Dedigama electorate.
A separate committee headed by SLFP General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena was appointed to coordinate the election campaign.

Meanwhile, prior to the holding of the Central Committee meeting yesterday, the President had called a special Cabinet meeting. However, it was revealed that the upcoming presidential election was not discussed during this meeting. Posters which read ‘Jaya Sri’ were to be put up all over the country last night wishing the President luck for the upcoming poll. (Kelum Bandara)

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Comments - 14

gamini Thursday, 20 November 2014 07:29 AM

People will declare the right selection. via DM Android App

nevil wanni Thursday, 20 November 2014 08:11 AM

Getting ready for the departure.. via DM Android App

C.K.Lankaputhra Thursday, 20 November 2014 09:19 AM

The SLFP unanimously approved, but not the others in the government?

Suq Madique Thursday, 20 November 2014 09:33 AM

Waste of time, effort and money because the outcome will be cleverly rigged and is a foregone conclusion

vasee Thursday, 20 November 2014 09:40 AM

Mark My word. He will get 57.6% and win the election. As He will be on the TOP MOST seat until 2022 , he has time to complete all the projects that will make SriLanka the Heaven. If any one wants throw mud on him continue to do that but He will throw flowers at you. All of us will be Proud to be SRI LANKANS .

Elakiri Thursday, 20 November 2014 09:52 AM

Power greedy people, unnecessary election and cost burden for the people, however JAYAWEWA for the opposition.

Lee Chun Yang Thursday, 20 November 2014 10:03 AM

A Chinese heaven maybe

hiro Thursday, 20 November 2014 10:07 AM

you high bro??

perera Thursday, 20 November 2014 10:10 AM

Vasee, I agree present government has done some development. But why he should have snap election before his term?If he wants to develop the country should have waited til complete of his term and then call for election. So he can continue till 2022 or more if he has done good work and justice.ALL COUNTRYMAN ASKING THE QUESTION IS WHY SANP ELECTION BEFORE HIS TERM FINISH?

Nishantha Thursday, 20 November 2014 10:16 AM

lol

Gihan perera Thursday, 20 November 2014 11:41 AM

yet a another laundry man.

CITIZEN Thursday, 20 November 2014 11:43 AM

Two years is a long time to finish all the so called development projects. Why the hurry

TONY Thursday, 20 November 2014 12:05 PM

BY 2022 SRI LANKA WILL BE TAKEN OVER BY CHINA FOR NOT REPAYING THE LOANS

mahinda Thursday, 20 November 2014 03:18 PM

the president knows exactlyhow to do constructive politics in srilanka.

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President to declare poll today

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