Elections Commission Chairman Nimal Punchihewa yesterday said that the date of the Local Government Election will be fixed after receiving nominations.
He added that the Elections Commission called nominations for the Local Government elections according to the Constitution.
He stated this while attending a press conference held at the Election Commission yesterday (11).
Commenting on the letter issued by the Public Administration Ministry Secretary directing District Secretaries not to accept nominations, the Election Commission Chairman the Ministry Secretary does not have such powers
He said that the Ministry Secretary does not have powers to direct District Secretaries not to accept nominations for the upcoming election.
“Only the Elections Commission can take such a decision. He said that the Elections Commission will take the necessary decisions regarding such actions at the right time.
Meanwhile, in the discussion held yesterday between the Election Commission and the secretaries of the political parties, focus was laid of gamut of issues including setting up of offices, conducting campaign activities, appointing authorized representatives, preparation of nomination papers and selection of suitable candidates.
Asked why the Local Government bodies are functioning even after calling for nominations, the Chairman said the power to dissolve those bodies is with the Local Government Minister but not with the Commission.
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