Video: UNP to wait and see

9 November 2014 10:09 am

The United National Party ( UNP ) was likely to file an objection, when the incumbent President Mahinda Rajapaksa hands in nomination for the Presidential Election, however it would not file any objections to the inquiry that had been initiated by him on the constitutionality of him contesting for a third time, the party said today.

This was revealed at a meeting during which UNP National Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe met the members of Jathika Neethinya Sangamaya this morning.

 

Mr. Wickremesinghe said at this meeting that the decision of President Rajapaka to seek the opinion of the Supreme Court was not legal as the nature of the question asked from the Supreme Court was regarding himself and not a common issue.

 

He said President could only seek advice with regard to a matter that would affect the entire population of the country or a class of citizens as per the section 129 of the Constitution.

However, Wickremesinghe said there were provisions for anyone to raise objections, when the incumbent President handed over nomination.

In such a situation, he said the Commissioner of Elections was bound to look into the objections and gave a ruling.

He further said one could challenge the ruling of the Elections Commissioner in Courts.

Meanwhile, Jathika Neethinya Sangamaya Assistant Secretary, Attorney Nisanka Nanayakkara said the Elections Commissioner became independent the moment the nominations were handed over by the incumbent President as he ceases to be the President when he handed in his nomination.

Asked whether the UNP led Lawyers Association would file objections during nominations, party officials said party’s decision would be made on that day.

“You will be able see what we are going to do on the nomination day,’” he said.(Yohan Perera and Darshana Sanjeewa) 

 

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Pix by Nisal Baduge