The National People's Power (NPP) has called on the Election Commission to promptly announce the dates for the presidential election, amid ongoing concerns about governmental attempts to sow confusion among the populace.
During a news conference, NPP General Secretary Tilvin Silva emphasized that the Election Commission has been authorized to declare the presidential election dates since yesterday and urged it to exercise this power immediately to prevent further public uncertainty.
Silva highlighted the importance of dispelling doubts about the election to maintain public trust in the democratic process and the electoral system. "The power to decide on the presidential election lies with the EC now, not with the government or the President. We request the EC to exercise its power and declare the dates for the election sooner. There is still hesitancy among the people about the election. The Ranil and Mahinda Rajapaksa faction are still creating confusion and doubt among the people, which should be stopped," he stated.
He also expressed concerns about public skepticism towards the Election Commission, referencing its failure to conduct the Local Government (LG) election when the government postponed it. "We know that the EC made some effort to conduct LG polls. But, it was not the best effort," Silva noted.
Silva concluded by reiterating that the Election Commission is accountable to the people and the Constitution, not to the President, the government, or political parties.
