No regulation of campaign finance at LG poll if Speaker is unable to endorse Bill in time – EC Chairman

Local Government Election will be held on schedule

by PRIYAN DE SILVA

The Chairman of the Election Commission (EC) Nimal Punchihewa, said that if the Speaker was unable to endorse the amended Bill to regulate expenditure incurred by candidates at elections, conducted under the Local Government Elections Ordinance, the Provincial Council Elections Act, The Parliamentary Elections Act, and the Presidential Elections Act, and send it to the EC by next Friday (27), campaign expenditure, pertaining to the upcoming local government elections, would not be regulated.

Punchihewa reiterated that the poll would be held, as scheduled.

The Bill to regulate campaign expenditure was passed, with amendments by Parliament, by a majority of 61 votes on Wednesday (19) and becomes an Act only after the Speaker places his signature on it, as per Article 79 and 80 of the Constitution, and in terms of Standing Order 74.

The regulations for the LG poll have to be finalised, within five working days, after receiving nominations. As nominations for the LG poll close at 12 noon today (21) the Regulations have to be drawn up by next Friday (27).