Prof. Hoole objects proposal to conduct poll on May 28

COLOMBO (News1st): A member of Sri Lanka's national election commission has written to his own election body objecting to a proposal to conduct the general election on May 28, citing health concerns. Professor Ratnajeevan Hoole, who constitutes the NEC's three-member panel said polls chief Mahinda Deshapriya had suggested that they announce the date of the poll as May 28. He noted that Deshapriya had agreed to further postpone the election if the pandemic worsens in the country. This move came amidst calls from the government to announce a date for the election which has been postponed  since the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country. Prof. Hoole, in a letter to the NEC on April 16, which was released to the media on Monday, listed out seven reasons to object to this move, including the credibility of the poll, public health concerns, and human rights violations. The full letter sent by Prof. Hoole to the NEC is produced below;