The Election Commission has decided to file a special motion before the Supreme Court detailing the difficulties it is facing during the preparations for the 2023 Local Government Election on March 09.

Chairman of the election body, Attorney-at-Law Nimal G. Punchihewa says inadequate funds, inadequate supply of fuel for transportation, the delays in ballot paper printing by the Government Printer and several other issues stand in the way of LG election preparations.

Punchihewa also noted that adequate security measures are not in place for the Department of Government Printing to ensure that ballot paper printing work is carried out smoothly.

The Election Commission, recalling the recent undertaking it gave before the Supreme Court to hold the Local Government Election on March 09 as scheduled, said it expects to brief the top court about not being able to uphold its pledge.

On Friday (Feb 17), Punchihewa disclosed that the Treasury Secretary has informed the Election Commission that funding the Local Government Election at the moment is challenging.

Meanwhile, Government Printer Gangani Liyanage mentioned that the printing work for the Local Government Election continues to face hindrances without adequate security measures.

Against this backdrop, the Election Commission was compelled to indefinitely postpone the postal voting of the Local Government Election, which was scheduled to be held on February 22, 23, 24 and 28.

Several protests were also staged in many parts of the country against the government’s attempts to defer the election.