Election Commissioner has informed the Prime Minister and the Speaker this week that if the President orders him to do so, the Provincial Council Elections will be held before the Presidential Election.
At two special meetings held in the Parliament recently, Election Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya informed the Prime Minister and the Speaker of the President's views on the legality and practicality of it.He has also highlighted the importance of holding provincial council elections as early as possible.
However, it is said that the Speaker and the Prime Minister had informed that the people's expectation was a Presidential Election.It is also reported that the Prime Minister has informed that he needs to discuss the matter with Opposition Leader as well.
However, the Prime Minister has requested the Election Commissioner not to leave the post due to non-holding of Provincial Council Elections.
Meanwhile, opposition said that Election Commissioner had telephoned the Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa regarding the holding of Provincial Council Elections.
During these discussions, the Prime Minister, the Speaker and the Opposition Leader have presented facts to the Election Commissioner on the legal status and the election schedule.Last Thursday Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa have exchanged views on this suggestion and it was reported that their common intention is to hold the Presidential Election on time.
(Mirror)