Rights application against polls chief

Wasantha RAMANAYAKE

A rights application was filed in the Supreme Court against the Elections Commissioner for purportedly performing the functions of the Election Commission.

Petitioner, UNP MP Gamini Jayawickrema Perera complained to Court that in terms of the 17th Amendment to the Constitution, only the Election Commission is empowered to hold elections.

The petitioner stated that in violation of his rights as well as the people and contrary to the Constitution, the Elections Commissioner is discharging the duties of the Election Commission.

He sought interim orders preventing the respondent commissioner from holding the Provincial Council Elections in respect of the Central and North Western Provinces until the final determination of the rights application with regard to the appointment of the Constitutional Council.