brand logo

2020 general election: EC to announce date tomorrow 

09 Jun 2020

WHO gives green light to hold polls Strict health guidelines to be followed  By Maheesha Mudugamuwa The Election Commission (EC) would announce the date of the upcoming parliamentary elections tomorrow (10), EC member Prof. Ratnajeevan Hoole told The Morning yesterday (8). The date to announce the general election was finalised at the EC meeting held yesterday. In addition, the Commission has decided to issue the Gazette notification listing the names and preferential numbers of the candidates contesting at the upcoming election today (9). According to Prof. Hoole, the advice given by health authorities, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), is positive; they have given the green light to hold the election, but have also advised to be cautious and follow all necessary health guidelines. Furthermore, a concern was raised at the meeting regarding the inability to take legal action against those who violate the health guidelines issued by the health authorities while preparing for and holding the election. “The health guidelines given by the health authorities clearly mention that the maximum number of people that could attend a meeting is 100. But it has not mentioned what action the Police can take against those who violate that guideline,” Prof. Hoole stressed. Therefore, Prof. Hoole stressed that the Commission had decided to make a formal request from the Government to gazette all health guidelines under the Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Act. The next EC meeting is scheduled for tomorrow (10), he added.


More News..