Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya has observed that the island’s constitution stipulates the establishment of an Independent Elections Commission. It is a constitutional requirement. But he was unable to say about its merits or demerits. Yet, there are restrains despite its establishment. The Independent Election Commission as embodied in our constitution is different from the structure and content of the one in India.
He was meeting the media at the Election Secretariat to brief about the polls. He stated that the nominations would be accepted for the relevant provincial councils from July12 to the noon of 19. The media can play a vital role in ensuring a free and fair poll. It is preferable to check the accuracy of a story before carrying it in the media. Deployment of election monitoring groups can be fruitful but their political affliation can sometimes affect the impartiality of their role.
He admitted that staggered elections are a little more costlier than holding on a single day but it is negligible. Provincila council polls have always been held in a staggered manner. A Commissioner of Elections has to conduct elections. In the case of PC polls, if the Chief Minister advises the Governor to dissolve the council to hold polls, the department gets ready to conduct them.
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