The government continues to withhold funds to print the ballot papers for the vote scheduled for March 9, claiming the country cannot afford it. A Supreme Court decision is expected tomorrow; meanwhile, the tension in the country grows. The opposition accuses Wickremesinghe of trying to cover up the collapse of Rajapaksa’s party, which supports him in Parliament.
Colombo ( / Agencies) – The Cardinal of Colombo, Malcolm Ranjith, has spoken out against the postponement of local elections in Sri Lanka, scheduled for March 9 but still hotly debated, with the risk of new mass protests in the country. Indeed, the government does not allocate the necessary funds to print the electoral ballots and a Supreme Court ruling is expected tomorrow. Opponents accuse President Ranil Wickremesinghe (who took Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s place after last July’s street riot in the country, bowed down by the economic crisis) of not wanting the elections to be held so that the distance does not become apparent between the popular vote and its management. In fact, the parliamentary support for Wickremesinghe continues to be guaranteed by the deputies of the SLPP, Rajapaksa’s party, which would be seriously reduced by the vote.
“Postponing the elections will cause Sri Lanka to lose the trust it has gained among the international community,” the cardinal said in a statement. “We ask the authorities not to push the country into a more serious crisis at a time when it is suffering from bankruptcy and has the help of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and foreign countries.”
It is the duty of the president – he added – to guarantee that local elections are held. If the president and public officials fail in this exercise, it would be a violation of the Constitution. It is the duty of all political parties, civil organizations and religious leaders to step forward for the good of the nation.”
The climate surrounding the March 9 vote in Colombo is once again very tense. According to a document filed with the courts by the Electoral Commission, the Treasury has refused to finance the expenses necessary for the printing of ballots and fuel or police protection at polling stations. The head of the Election Commission, Nimal Punchihewa, told the news agency AFP: “I had promised before the Supreme Court to hold the vote on time, but now I am informing you that we will not be able to do it because the government does not disburse the necessary funds.” For this reason, the postal vote, which was to take place this week, has already been postponed until further notice. Local elections are estimated to cost around 10 billion rupees (25 million euros) and it is not clear that the government has the liquidity to proceed if the courts order them to be held tomorrow.
Parliament was adjourned yesterday after opposition lawmakers raised banners in protest against what they saw as an attempt by the government to avoid voter scrutiny and cling to power.
