Free and fair election Doubtful say some opposition political parties

• Low voter turnout likely amid COVID-19 fears

By Yohan Perera   

Some of the Opposition political parties contenting this year’s general election said yesterday it would not be possible to hold the general election in the usual manner amid the likelihood of a low voter turnout.   

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) said there was no point in holding an election under such circumstances.   
Former MP and SJB Colombo District candidate Hirunika Premachandra told a news conference that people would not be prepared to queue up at polling stations given the COVID-19 pandemic. She said even the usual house to house canvassing will not be possible. “People will chase candidates who go on house to house campaigning. This will be a issue common to all political parties including the ruling SLPP,” she said.   

Former MP Ashoka Abeysinghe said some 1.5 million Sri Lankan expatriates would lose their chance to vote at this election. “There is no point in holding the elections in such a situation,” he said.  

Meanwhile, UNP National Organiser Navin Dissanayake said campaigning for this election would be limited to the media. “Propaganda rallies are out of the question,” he said. 

• People will chase candidates who go on house to house campaigning. This  will be a issue common to all political parties including the ruling  SLPP