CPA files FR petition against failure of state institutions to hold local government polls

By PRIYAN DE SILVA

The Centre of Policy Alternatives (CPA) and its Executive Director Dr Paikiyasothy Saravanamuththu filed a fundamental rights application on Monday (28), challenging the failure and/or refusal of several institutions the Election Commission of Sri Lanka, the Department of Government Printing, the Police Department and the Treasury to take the necessary steps to hold the local government elections.

The Petitioners have emphasised that the exercise of franchise as required in terms of the law is essential for a country to preserve democracy and the conduct of elections must be treated as essential for Sri Lanka to be and remain a democratic republic.

The petitioners have said their rights under Articles 10, 12(1) and 14(1)(a) of the Constitution have been violated and/or continue to be violated by attempts to sabotage and stall the holding of the local government polls.