The Election Commission (EC) stated that all appointments made by certain Provincial Governors during this period of the indefinite postponement of the Local Government (LG) elections have been suspended.
This move followed complaints from Opposition parties and election monitors, who accused Southern Province Governor Lakshaman Yapa Abeywardana and Central Province Governor Lalith U. Gamage of violating election laws by allegedly appointing former LG Councilors and Members as their representatives despite the ongoing postponement of the Polls.
Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (17), Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake noted that the EC advised the respective Governors to halt all such appointments, in response to these allegations.
“The Governors have informed the EC that all the appointments have been withheld. The EC took steps to inform and advise the Governors to withhold all the appointments as such appointments cannot be made during a period of an election,” he said.
Ratnayake also highlighted the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral process, stating that appointing former LG Councilors and Members during an election period, even one that is indefinitely postponed, constitutes a breach of election laws.
Previously, despite the postponement of the 2023 LG elections, the EC had stated that LG election laws remain valid, as the Polls are yet to be completed. The EC highlighted that according to Article 104(a) of the Constitution, these laws are still in effect. Consequently, during this period, it is prohibited for anyone to engage in activities that favour any specific political party, candidate, or group.
Additionally, the EC has issued a circular and a gazette to all heads of public institutions, instructing them that no State property may be used for such purposes. The regulatory body further emphasised that violating these guidelines during this period is a punishable offence. The EC has urged all parties to adhere to the provisions and directives it has issued to ensure that the upcoming Polls are conducted in a free and fair manner.