Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill to be Presented to P'ment Today (17)

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill will be presented to Parliament today at 2.00 p.m.

This is to get the 2nd and 3rd clauses passed by a special parliamentary majority.

The Supreme Court ruled last Friday that two clauses of the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill must be passed by a two-thirds special majority in Parliament.

The Supreme Court concluded that Clauses 2 and 3 of the Bill are inconsistent with Article 12 (1) of the Constitution, and therefore must be passed by a special majority vote in accordance with Article 84 (2) of the Constitution.

Clause 2 empowers the cancellation of nominations called for the Local Government Election that was scheduled to be held on March 9, 2023.

The clause also includes provisions for the return of the deposit money made by political parties or independent groups for the local government elections to the relevant persons.

The third clause states that steps should be taken in accordance with the provisions of the Ordinance to commence the holding of the relevant election.

According to the Supreme Court ruling, a two-thirds approval of the Parliament is required to enact these provisions.

The Local Government Election Special Provisions Bill is being presented to Parliament today to obtain approval for these clauses.

Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government Chandana Abeyratne stated that this vote will be held this afternoon.