Opposition Leader concerned over timing of Election Expenditure Bill

by Zulfick Farzan 18-01-2023 | 10:06 AM

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Sri Lanka's Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said that a conspiracy is afoot to underminde the people's mandate by implementing various regulations.

He told Parliament on Wednesday (18) that he would not allow for the upcoming Local Government Election to be delayed via such conspiracies.

The Opposition Leader said that the Election Expenditure Bill is a vital piece of legislation, however, the timing of the legislation is cause for concern.

The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Justice, Prisons Affairs and Constitutional Reforms on Tuesday (17) decided to postpone the second reading debate of the Regulation of Election Expenditure Bill by one months’ time.

However, Special Party Leaders meeting will has been called for on Wednesday (18) afternoon with the President and Prime Minister in attendance to discuss the Election Expenditure Bill, said the Speaker.

The Opposition Leader speaking in Parliament expressed that trying to discuss the Bill while the nomination and bond acceptance process is taking place, creates a state of confusion and concern.

"If this bill is passed tomorrow, it will become an obstacle for the election that is expected to take place in March 2023," warned Premadasa.

He said the Election Expenditure Bill contains a section where candidates are expected to produce a comprehensive report on their campaign expenses, donations, funds, etc.

While noting that such articles are of paramount importance, he said failure to produce such a report will be termed as an offense, and when that happens petitions can be filed against the candidate.

The Opposition Leader noted that if this Bill is passed ahead of the Local Government Election, it would also apply to the 2023 Local Government Election process, leading to mass confusion.

"No matter how much the government claims this would not hinder the election, I would like to note that it would hinder the election process. It would be an obstacle to holding the elections on time," he added.

He also warned that the passage of the Bill will also change the entire election law, deviating from the existing conditions and obligations.