The Election Commission announced that the Local Government Elections will be conducted soon after the conclusion of the General Election.
Election Commission Chairman R. M. A. L. Rathnayake in a statement issued by the Election Commission said on Wednesday (2) that the Supreme Court had ordered that the Local Government Elections be held following the 2024 Presidential Election without further delay.
The decision given by the Supreme Court on August 22, 2024 regarding the fundamental rights applications filed in relation to the 2023 Local Government elections had been taken into account by the Election Commission with due respect.
The Election Commission further stated that it fully understands its role and works to protect the democratic rights of the Sri Lankan citizens and that the Commission has analyzed that it would take a minimum time period of 30 to 35 days to complete discussions with the relevant authorities regarding organising the activities of the Local Government elections.
However, following the newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assuming powers after the Presidential Election held on September 21, 2024, Parliament was dissolved on September 24, 2024 and a Gazette was issued calling for General Elections.
Having taken into account the current circumstances, the Election Commission said that it had to prioritise the General Election to elect the Legislative Assembly.
The Election Commission Chairman stated that in accordance with the order given by the Supreme Court on August 22, 2024, taking into account the role of holding elections prescribed by law, the Election Commission will work to set the date for the Local Government polls as soon as possible after the conclusion of the Parliamentary Elections.
Furthermore, as previously decided during the Presidential Election, the Election Commission also said that the Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha polls will be held on October 26 during the General Elections period.
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