Sri Lanka needs at least four months to hold polls amidst so many hurdles–exec

President of the Election Commission, Nimal Punchihewa. The Island/Asia News Network

COLOMBO — It will take at least four months for Sri Lanka to hold a general election under the present circumstances, President of the Election Commission, Nimal Punchihewa says. The EC chief said the basic needs of the people had to be taken care of before an election was held.

“I also don’t think most of the candidates would be able to go before the people. This also should be a major consideration,” he said.

Punchihewa said that most MPs would hesitate to contest an election, given adverse public opinion.

“Then there is also the matter of finance. I think that about Rs. 10 billion will have to be spent on an election. I don’t think we can obtain enough fuel for an election,” Punchihewa said.

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