Vote for Presidency : What happens in Parliament on 19th ?

The acceptance of nominations of candidates for the presidency will get underway in Parliament on Tuesday.

The Secretary-General of Parliament has informed the House that proceedings will commence at 10.00 am Tuesday to accept the nominations.

He said the Parliament proceedings scheduled for tomorrow have been reserved only for the acceptance of nominations for the presidency.

Four presidential hopefuls have thus far announced their willingness to contest for the post of President.

 

Thereafter, the Parliament will convene once again on Wednesday, 20th July, during which a vote will be held to elect a new President.

The Secretary-General of Parliament will act as the ‘returning officer’ on the date fixed to hold the election for ‘President by Parliament’. (NewsWire)

 

What happens on the 19th? : Parliament Media Unit 

 The Secretary-General must set a date and time for receiving nominations from Members od Parliament not earlier than 48 hours (two days) and not later than seven days after the announcement that the office of the president has been vacant.

 Therefore, the Secretary General informed to the House on Saturday the 16th, that the Parliament will convene on the 19th Tuesday morning at 10.00 to accept the nominations.

 Thus, the 19th is reserved only for accepting nominations for the presidency.

 The Secretary General of Parliament will act as the ‘returning officer’ on the date fixed to hold the election for ‘President by Parliament’.

If elected as President, a prior written consent is required stating the intention to hold office..

 Every Member of Parliament who intends to propose a Member of Parliament to be elected for the vacant office of President must first obtain the written consent of that Member of Parliament stating his or her intent to serve in the office of President if the Member is elected. Accordingly, a copy of the same should be handed over to the Secretary General on the 19th, when nominations are to be accepted.

 Furthermore, it is essential to take care of the disqualifications specified in Article 92 of the Constitution when proposing the name of a member of Parliament for the vacant position of President.

 Accordingly, on that day of nominations, an MP should address the Secretary General and propose another MP for the vacant post of presidency. At the time of proposing, it is essential that the member who is proposing be present in the chamber. After that, the name proposed should be confirmed by another MP. A debate on this regard shall not be allowed.

If only one member’s name is suggested…??

If only one member’s name is proposed and confirmed, the Secretary General will announce the it on the same day that that member has been elected by the Parliament for the vacant position of President. Accordingly, this procedure will be completed without further due (in 1993, DB Wijetunga became the President in this manner).

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