SJB: LG polls will be referendum on govt.’s performance

The SJB says the upcoming local government elections will serve as a referendum on the current regime’s performance.

Addressing the media at the Opposition Leader’s Office, in Colombo, SJB treasurer and Colombo District MP, Dr. Harsha de Silva, said: “If the UNP and SLPP fail to win the polls, then they no longer have a mandate to rule. Now, the Elections Commission has fixed March 9 as the date for local council polls. We hope that the government will not try to scuttle the process. People must be given the opportunity to choose who they wish to be governed by in the local councils. Obviously if the ruling party wins, then that means they have a mandate from the people to continue. If that is not obtained then it is obvious, they don’t have the confidence of the people. This is much more than fixing culverts and the collection of garbage. It is almost a referendum of what people are thinking,” he said.