Polls postponed | Daily News
New date to be announced next week:

Polls postponed

EC to keep tab on COVID-19 situation:

The National Election Commission (NEC) has decided to postpone the Parliamentary Election -2020 scheduled to be held on April 25 due to the severity of the Covid-19 situation within the country.

NEC Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya said the electoral process was totally interrupted during the past five to six days due to the outbreak, which resulted in this decision.

He was addressing the media at the NEC in Rajagiriya yesterday.

Accordingly, the General Election will be postponed for a date, which is beyond a period of 14 days from the scheduled date (April 25) as per the provisions of Section 24 (3) of the Parliamentary Elections Act No. 01 of 1981. A new date will be announced next week after having discussions with the local health authorities on the health situation, the Chairman said.

He also pointed out after the nominations process ended at 12.00 noon yesterday, the independent Election Commission has the power to decide on the postponement of the election in case of an emergency. However, he said the Commission’s decision was informed to the relevant parties including President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

The nominations which have already been accepted are valid for the election to be held on the new date.

Meanwhile, the Chairman said despite the Government’s announcement of a work-from-home week from today (20), the officers and the supportive staff of all District Election Offices will have to report to work today and tomorrow. He requested them to engage in their duties in a careful manner to prevent the spread of the infection.


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