Opposition Parties oppose passing Regulation of Elections’ Expenditure Bill

A special meeting will be held today (18) between the leaders of political parties in Parliament and President Ranil Wickremesinghe to discuss the Regulation of Elections’ Expenditure Bill.

The discussion will be held due to the opposition parties’ opposing the Regulation of Elections’ Expenditure Bill, which compel to disclose the parties giving money for election campaigns. 

The intention of the Bill is to publish information about the parties spending money for election campaigns.

Opposition party leaders met Justice Minister Dr.Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe and stated that they are against bringing that procedure yesterday (17) .

After the minister briefed the President about this development it was decided to hold a meeting between the President and the party leaders. Measures were taken to present the relevant Bill to parliament at the earliest at the request of civil society and a number of other organizations.

A senior minister when inquired said he cannot comprehend why a Bill which compels to disclose the parties giving money for election campaigns is being opposed by Opposition parties.