PM instructs EC to expedite procedure to hold PC polls

• Officials instructed to look into possibilities of conducting the election either under the old or new system

By Sheain Fernandopulle 

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday instructed the newly assumed members of the Elections Commission to speed up the process to hold Provincial Council elections as soon as possible, the Prime Minister’s office said.  

This was informed to the Elections Commission members during a meeting held at  Mahinda Rajapaksa’s official residence at Wijerama Mawatha in Colombo. 

The Premier instructed the officials to look into possibilities of conducting the election either under the old or new system. 

Meanwhile, the EC officials said the legal provisions in relation to the election had to be sorted out at the ministerial level and therefore, they pointed out that it was fitting to hold the election this time under the old system. 
The EC officials also raised the importance of appointing a Parliament Select Committee as it requires amendments to the prevailing election laws. 

In response, the Premier said he had already discussed this regard with the Speaker.   Election Commission new Chairman Nimal Punchihewa and its members participated in the meeting.