The Sri Lanka Bar Association has requested the Chairman of the Election Commission and all state officials to continue to act in accordance with the Constitution and the law in order to uphold the people’s right to vote.
Issuing a statement, the BASL raised concerns over the government’s efforts to intervene in the people’s right to vote.
The BASL said the President and the Government must refrain from taking steps that can be interpreted as interfering with the independent functions of the Election Commission.
The Association also raised concerns that the move could result in the nomination process of the Local Government Election being brought to a standstill.
The BASL also called on the Chairman and members of the Election Commission to continue to act in line with the Constitution and to ensure the people’s rights are protected.
The BASL issued the statement in response to the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration issuing a letter to District Secretaries to suspend the acceptance of deposits for the Local Government Election based on a decision reached by the Cabinet of Ministers.
However, steps were subsequently taken to recall the relevant letter.
