The Supreme Court has determined that the Elections (Special provisions) (Amendment) Bill, that seeks to provide for visually impaired persons to be accompanied by another person when voting, was  inconsistent with the constitution, Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara informed parliament yesterday.

Making a special announcement to the House, the Speaker said the Supreme Court had ruled that Clause 2 of Part 1, Clause 5 of Part II, Clause 8 of Part III, Clause 11 of Part IV and Clause 14 of Part V in the Bill were inconsistent with the constitution.He added that the said clauses must be amended to be consistent with the constitution or be passed by a two thirds  majority in the House.

The Elections (Special Provisions) (Amendment) Bill, presented to the House on  October  8  seeks to provide for a totally visually impaired person to be accompanied by another person when casting his or her vote.

The Bill was challenged before the Supreme Court under section 121 (1) of the Constitution.

The Bill is inconsistent with Articles 12 (1) and 14 (1) of the Constitution, the SC determined, the Speaker said.

In making such a provision for visually impaired persons the Bill seeks to amend five existing election laws namely the Local Authorities Ordinance, the Parliamentary Elections Act, the Referendum Act, the Presidential Election  Act and the Provincial Councils Elections Act.