EC ready to squeeze in two national polls this year

By Saman Indrajith

Even if circumstances lead to holding a general election early, the Election Commission (EC) is ready to hold the presidential election on time between 17 September and 17 October, 2014, EC Chairman R.M.A.L. Ratnayake has said.

Asked to comment on SLPP MPs urging to support the proposal to conduct a general election, prior to the presidential polls, Ratnayake said that they were ready to hold two national level elections within the current year.

“If Parliament is dissolved, then we will have to hold the general election,” he said.

Asked whether the EC would be able to handle two major elections within several months, Ratnayake said the EC, in such an eventuality, would have to manage the difficulties that may arise and hold the elections as scheduled.

The presidential election is due to be held on a date between 17 September and 17 October, he said. The exact dates for holding the election and the deadlines for accepting nominations would be determined during the last week of July or the first week of August. We are making arrangements for that,” Ratnayake said.