COLOMBO (NewsRadio); The National Election Commission say the Regulation of Election Expenditure Bill which was passed in Parliament yesterday has no impediments to conduct the upcoming Local Authorities Election.
The Election Commission made this assertion after several opposition political parties raised concerned about the timing of the bill.
MPs from the opposition accused the government of attempting to delay the conduct of the Local Authorities Election by passing new laws.
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena in Parliament said, the bill was tabled in Parliament following requests by civil society organizations and the general public to enact laws to prevent malpractices at elections.
Accordingly, the Regulation of Election Expenditure Bill was in Parliament yesterday with a majority of 61 votes.
97 Members of Parliament voted in favour of the Bill while 36 MPs voted against the Bill.
The Regulation of Election Expenditure Bill is expected to bring about accountability and responsibility in campaign spending.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe earlier said the Bill being passed will have no adverse effect on the process underway for the conduct of the Local Government Election.
Meanwhile, acceptance of nominations for the Local Authorities Election will conclude tomorrow.
