News
EC moves ahead with polls plans despite issues
View(s):By Anthony David and Damith Wickremaskeara
The Election Commission will go ahead with preparations to conduct the local council elections, its Chairman Nimal G. Punchihewa, said yesterday.
“Unlike previous elections where state institutions linked to the elections are consulted after nominations, we are meeting them in advance to ensure we have their support,” he told the Sunday Times.
On Thursday, he said, he met Police Chief Chandana Wickremeratne who assured the fullest cooperation of the Police, he added.
An important meeting was with officials of the Treasury on Wednesday. “They told us their difficulties. We explained that it was our duty to conduct the elections and they were legally bound to help us,” Mr Punchihewa said.
He said that although the estimated expenditure was ten billion rupees, the EC needed only half the money immediately. The balance would have to be met only after the elections. For example, the Government Printer would be paid only four or five months after the polls, he pointed out.
Among the other state institution officials, he had met so far, Mr. Punchihewa said were the Government Printer and the Post Master General. “They have all agreed to our position. Usually, we meet them after the nominations. However, this time, we advanced the meeting to ensure there was no uncertainty,” Mr. Punchihewa said.
He said the date for the elections would be announced within days of the nominations that would conclude at noon on January 21.
The Sunday Times learns that the Treasury officials had said they were faced with difficulties in assuring that they could continue to provide the required funding as some of the payments such as Samurdhi funds had not been released on time.
They had said that as there was uncertainty in continuing to provide the funds it could affect the elections.
They also pointed out that with plans by the Central Bank to stop the printing of currency, they would have limitations in raising the required funds.
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