In an interview with the Daily FT, Election Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya spoke of the importance of holding elections but also ensuring that there is a level playing field for all stakeholders. Here are excerpts of the interview:
Q: Can the EC go ahead with the poll?
A: The country is still not normal to hold an election. There must be a minimum of 35 days prior to date of the poll for campaigning, preparation for poll, etc. It is not only the freedom for voters to go to the polling booth and vote that has to be looked into but also for officials and candidates to engage in related activities freely. Without that there will be no free and fair election.
At present there is a curfew between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. Not even a pocket meeting can be held due to physical distancing regulations to deal with the coronavirus. There is no normalcy in the country at the moment but we have announced an election date so we can’t fold our hands and sit back. We are preparing for the election.
We have given dates for submission of postal votes, etc., but we must assess the situation regularly. The EC must meet and decide on the future course of action and we also have to consult with election officials and others like the Postal Department, Returning Officers, and the Grama Sevaka Niladaris.
Public Health Inspectors (PHI) function as Senior Presiding Officers (SPOs) and so do others in the health sector. Their availability is also must be assessed. The EC must meet at least once in every 10 days to assess the situation and take a decision.
Read the Full Interview :