PAFFREL calls for provincial, presidential polls to be held on same date

The Peoples Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) movement has requested political leaders to conduct the provincial and presidential elections on the same date.

In a letter addressed to the President, Prime Minister, and the Speaker, PAFFREL observed that this could be done by amending the laws pertaining to the provincial elections or by postponing the effective date on which the Provincial Council Elections Act would come into effect.

The provincial elections have been delayed due to the absence of a delimitation report which demarcates electorates for the polls.

PAFFREL Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi said that Rs 2 billion could be saved by conducting both elections on the same date, as pointed out by the Elections Commission Chairman in the recent past.

He also pointed out that if both elections are held between a space of six months, politicians would be focused on election campaigns instead of fulfilling their duties towards the people.

Accordingly, Mr. Hettiarachchi requested that the relevant laws be passed in Parliament in order to conduct the provincial and presidential polls on the same date.