LG polls in first week of May?

• EC Chairman says a special meeting will be convened to finalise the date

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

The Local Government (LG) elections are likely to be held in the first week of May, Daily Mirror learns.  

Speaking to Daily Mirror, the Election Commission Chairman R.M.A.L. Ratnayake said a special meeting would be convened to  discuss the date and reach a final decision within this week.  

“The decision would be taken after considering all proposals put forward by respective political parties,” he stated.  

 “We take all suggestions into account. However, as an  independent body, the relevant date will be announced in line with the  Local Government Election Act,” the Election Chief stressed.  

Opposition parties have requested a delay in calling for  nominations until the budget debate concludes, while the government has  pushed for an earlier announcement.   

The National People’s Power (NPP) has been particularly vocal about expediting the process.  

The LG election, originally scheduled for 2023, was  postponed after nominations had already begun. Several political parties  challenged this delay in court, arguing that using the same nomination  lists for a 2025 election would be unfair.   

The court later ruled that a fresh nomination process would require two-thirds majority approval in Parliament.