A person has filed a case seeking to postpone the presidential election, claiming it violates human rights. This case argues that holding the presidential election infringes on human rights, which is a complete distortion,’ said Mr GL Pieris, Member of Parliament, at a press conference held at the office of the opposition leader in Colombo.
The current government has not held any elections in the past and has never given people the opportunity to exercise their right to vote, blatantly violating the supreme law of Sri Lanka. Local government elections should have been held before March 16, 2023, but the government did not arrange to hold them. Even an order from the Supreme Court to hold the election was not implemented.
According to the constitution, the Election Commission has the power to hold the 2024 presidential election between September 16 and October 16. However, a person has declared before the Supreme Court that holding the presidential election violates human rights, arguing that human rights will be violated if the election is not held. Without the right to vote, other rights become meaningless.
Using a human rights case to strip people of their voting rights is perverse. This is why Samagi Jana Balawegaya intervened. The Chief Justice has decided to examine this case before a bench of five judges, with Mr Romesh De Silva, the President’s Counsel, representing Samagi Jana Balawegaya.
Samagi Jana Balawegaya asserts that there is no constitutional right to suspend people’s rights, as it is part of their sovereignty. The presidential election must be held, and the government must be held accountable. Without a mandate, Sri Lanka cannot be considered a democratic country, and the presidential election must be fair.
Last week, 8,750 million rupees were given to the President by using majority power in parliament under the guise of development projects, but this money is being used for the President’s election campaign, creating a dangerous situation. Funds from joint and other government sources, including borrowed money, are being misused for political activities.
Additionally, governors, who represent the President, are violating the law. They are former chairmen and councilors of local governments, entrusted with political responsibilities. After July 17, the Election Commission will be empowered to issue declarations for the People’s Deputies. However, governors are engaging in political activities that undermine the possibility of a fair election. The Election Commission has taken some steps in response, aiming to ensure that the presidential election occurs in an environment where people can freely express their opinions.
The government’s debt restructuring program is driven not by national interest but by the political ambitions of an individual. The program should benefit the country, but it is being manipulated to serve the President’s political career, causing great prejudice to the nation. A united people’s power government is needed to ensure that the debt restructuring program benefits the people of Sri Lanka.
