UNP discusses polls with the polls chief

Colombo Gazette

The main opposition United National Party (UNP) today met the Elections Commissioner and discussed moves to conduct a Presidential Election next year.

UNP Leadership Council Chairman Karu Jayasuriya told reporters after the meeting that while a date has not yet been announced for the election, there are strong indications the election will be held next year.

He noted that Minister Keheliya Rambukwella had also indicated the Presidential Election will be held in January but refused to say exactly when.

The UNP however had told Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya that only he can decide the date of the election and not the Government or President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

“We hear the election maybe announced soon. But only the Elections Commissioner can announce the date of the election,” Jayasuriya said.

Jayasuriya said the UNP also told the Elections Commissioner today to ensure the environment is in place to hold a free and fair Presidential Election in January.

He said the Uva Provincial Council Election was held despite several election law violations taking place and so the Elections Commissioner was urged to ensure there is no repeat of that at the Presidential Elections.