SLPP says delaying election harmful to democracy

Tuesday, 19 May 2020 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Asserts need for fresh Parliament to expedite President’s policies on development
Calls on EC to find constructive ways to hold elections amidst COVID-19 pandemic
Prof. Peiris says use of technology can minimise public gathering during campaigns

By Nuwan Senarathna

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) yesterday said a further delay in the conducting of the General Election would not be healthy for the country’s democracy.

Chairman Prof. G.L Peiris told the media that the country needed a new Parliament and argued elections could not be delayed for a longer period.

“The country needs a new Parliament that supports the President’s policies. As a democratic State, we cannot delay the election forever and that is not healthy for democracy. Therefore the Election Commission (EC) should decide on a date considering health experts’ opinion,” Peiris added.

He noted they did not see a need to reconvene the previous Parliament under any circumstances. “The country needs a fresh Parliament, which will fast-track the President’s development projects,” he added.

“Health experts say that the COVID-19 threat will remain for at least one more year. Does that mean we have to delay the election for one year? We cannot delay the election for that long, therefore the EC should seek health experts’ advice and find a way to hold the election,” Prof. Peiris argued.

Acknowledging that the EC had the power to set a date for the General Elections, the SLPP Chairman said the commission should find constructive ways to hold the election despite the COVID-19 threat.

He pointed out that technology should be used during the forthcoming General Election.

“We have to improvise and find a new way to hold the election. Candidates will have to use new technology to communicate their policies to the public and minimise the public gathering,” he added.

Prof. Peiris pointed out that South Korea held its election amidst the COVID-19 outbreak, noting that elections could be held even under difficult circumstances.

Speaking to reporters, SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam said the EC’s duty was to look for new ways to hold the election despite the COVID-19 pandemic.