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EC under pressure by JO to hold LG polls: JHU

8 November 2016 09:08 pm - 9     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Members of the joint opposition are pressuring and threatening Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya to hold the local government elections, Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) National Organizer Nishantha Sri Warnasinghe said today.

He said such pressure on the EC could lead to an election without implementing the proposed electoral reforms but instead under the much criticized previous preferential voting system.

Mr. Warnasinghe told a media briefing that according to informed sources, the LG polls were going to be held under the preferential voting system as a result of pressure by the joint opposition despite the fact that delimitation activities were yet to be completed.

He warned that it would be a violation of the people’s mandate if the elections are again held under previous system which was rejected by the people who voted in favour of the current government introducing electoral reforms.

Mr. Warnasinghe urged the government to refrain from holding the LG polls without completing the delimitation process and implementing ward-based electoral system.

Commenting on the new political party, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, he said the helpless former MP G.L. Peiris was sacrificed by appointing him Chairman of the party with its flower-bud symbol.

“Wasn’t there any one better than G.L. Peiris? Why couldn’t Basil Rajapaksa, Kumara Welgama or Prasanna Ranatunga take the leadership of their party? The lack of confidence and policies of those party members is clear from not being able to elect a leader to head the party,” Mr. Warnasinghe said. (Piyumi Fonseka)


  Comments - 9

  • Mevan Wednesday, 09 November 2016 05:48 AM

    Elections should be held only after electoral reforms are in place removing preferential system brought by JR.

    Wele Vidane Wednesday, 09 November 2016 06:05 AM

    What?

    sam Wednesday, 09 November 2016 06:21 AM

    Ofcourse they have to hold elections you cant deny people their franchise.

    Voter Wednesday, 09 November 2016 06:55 AM

    We totally agree with the JHU. via DM Android App

    Nihal Amarasekera Wednesday, 09 November 2016 07:16 AM

    What value franchise when voters and electors could be bought over?

    J Palitha Wednesday, 09 November 2016 10:37 AM

    I personally presume that there is no need of an election right now as everything is moving smoothly.

    Desmond Jeromme Wednesday, 09 November 2016 10:38 AM

    No need to rush for an election. Let we repair the system and then we will decide.

    German Jacob Wednesday, 09 November 2016 10:39 AM

    An election will cost in billions, rather than that let us settle Rajapakshe's Chinese Loans first and then proceed with elections. People are least worried about elections.

    Kiris Baba Amaray Wednesday, 09 November 2016 01:06 PM

    This Govt. will exist for another 20 years for sure. By the time 75% of the JO rotters are dead and gone. No need elections now.


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