Mujibur’s petition on LG polls fixed for consideration on 23 Feb.

Friday, 17 February 2023 01:46 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

SJB Colombo Mayoral candidate Mujibur Rahaman

The petition filed by Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Colombo Mayoral candidate Mujibur Rahaman seeking an order directing the Election Commission to take measures to hold the 2023 Local Government election without any interference was fixed for support on 23 February yesterday by the Supreme Court.

The matter was taken up before a three-judge bench comprising justices Priyantha Jayawardena, Murdu Fernando and Achala Wengappuli.

The petition filed on 24 January has named a total of 35 respondents including the Chairman of the Election Commission, Attorney-at-Law Nimal Punchihewa, members of the Commission, the Attorney General and the Cabinet of Ministers and its secretary.

The petitioner is seeking a declaration that his Fundamental Rights guaranteed under Article 12(1) and 14(1)(a) have been infringed and or the likelihood of imminent infringement by the cabinet decision instructing District Returning Officers to not accept deposits from the Local Government Election candidates. Rahman is challenging the decision taken by the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, and Local Government Neil Hapuhinna to issue a letter dated 10 January purportedly acting under the instructions of the cabinet directing District Returning Officers to not accept deposits for the Local Government elections from candidates.

The petition also noted that a sum of Rs. 10 billion has been allocated to the Election Commission for the holding of elections in 2023.

This petition had been filed through Attorney-at-Law Sithara Sampath Wijewardena. Rahman vacated his Parliamentary seat on 21 January in order to contest for the post of Mayor of Colombo in the upcoming election.