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The long-awaited Local Government Election (Special Provisions) Bill is set to be passed in Parliament tomorrow, paving the way for long-overdue local government elections. The Election Commission is gearing up to hold the election in the last week of April, bringing an end to months of uncertainty and political debate.
Originally scheduled for March 9, 2023, the election was postponed due to a severe financial crisis, triggering widespread criticism and concerns over democratic setbacks. However, with this bill’s approval, the long-overdue polls will finally proceed.
Under the Local Government Election Ordinance and its amendments, including the 2017 Local Government Elections (Amendment) Act No. 16, nomination submissions must take place within 14 to 17 days of certification. Once nominations are finalized, the election must be conducted within 66 days.
Urgent Call for Voter Registration
The Election Commission has urged unregistered voters to register immediately to ensure they can exercise their right to vote in the upcoming election. With this being a crucial moment for local governance, voter participation is expected to be a significant factor in shaping the future political landscape.
Strengthening Democracy & Restoring Local Governance
With the bill’s passage, the long-postponed local government elections are set to take place, a move that is seen as a critical step in restoring democratic governance.
The Election Commission has already begun technical and administrative preparations, ensuring that all procedures, from nominations to vote counting, adhere to legal frameworks. Since the terms of local government bodies have already expired, this election is vital for reinstating effective local administration and development activities.
The Election Commission has pledged transparency, fairness, and accessibility in the voting process, ensuring that all eligible voters can cast their ballots with confidence.
Supreme Court Ruling Clears the Path
The Supreme Court’s decision on the bill was officially announced in Parliament this week. A three-judge bench ruled that the bill can be passed with necessary amendments or with a two-thirds majority vote in Parliament. This verdict effectively removes legal barriers and fast-tracks the election process.What Does This Mean for the Election?
The bill introduces the necessary provisions to call for new nominations and conduct elections that have been repeatedly delayed. Furthermore, it mandates that the Election Commission must take all necessary steps to hold the election within three months of the bill becoming law.Originally scheduled for March 9, 2023, the election was postponed due to a severe financial crisis, triggering widespread criticism and concerns over democratic setbacks. However, with this bill’s approval, the long-overdue polls will finally proceed.
Key Deadlines and What’s Next
According to Election Commission General Saman Sri Ratnayake, once the bill is passed and certified by the Speaker, the Commission will immediately call for fresh nominations.Under the Local Government Election Ordinance and its amendments, including the 2017 Local Government Elections (Amendment) Act No. 16, nomination submissions must take place within 14 to 17 days of certification. Once nominations are finalized, the election must be conducted within 66 days.
Urgent Call for Voter Registration
The Election Commission has urged unregistered voters to register immediately to ensure they can exercise their right to vote in the upcoming election. With this being a crucial moment for local governance, voter participation is expected to be a significant factor in shaping the future political landscape.
Strengthening Democracy & Restoring Local Governance
With the bill’s passage, the long-postponed local government elections are set to take place, a move that is seen as a critical step in restoring democratic governance.The Election Commission has already begun technical and administrative preparations, ensuring that all procedures, from nominations to vote counting, adhere to legal frameworks. Since the terms of local government bodies have already expired, this election is vital for reinstating effective local administration and development activities.
The Election Commission has pledged transparency, fairness, and accessibility in the voting process, ensuring that all eligible voters can cast their ballots with confidence.
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