Prez poll: Only EC can declare the date – PAFFREL

The People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) yesterday (10) said that President Ranil Wickremesinghe, under any circumstances, couldn’t declare a presidential election. That would be the prerogative of the Election Commission, PAFFREL Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi told The Island yesterday (10).

The civil society activist said that the EC would be guided by the Presidential Elections Act, No. 15 of 1981 and other relevant laws.

Hettiarachchi said so in response to the declaration made by the UNP Management Committee that the presidential election would be held in Sept this year.

The PAFFREL spokesperson pointed out that as President Wickremesinghe hadn’t been elected but appointed by the Parliament he couldn’t advance the presidential election.

However, in terms of the law, anyone could predict that presidential election would be held between Sept 17 and Oct 18, 2024, Hettiarachchi said (SF)