Opposition to appointment of acting elections Commissioner

[TamilNet, Friday, 26 November 1999, 07:28 GMT]
Two applications, seeking an order to quash the appointment of the acting Commissioner of Elections by the President are to be heard by the Court of Appeal on 2 December.

These applications have been filed by 'Ravaya' News Editor, Newton Seneviratne, and Former Air Force Commander, Harry Gunatileke.

These applications state that under Provision 103 of the Ceylon Constitution and under section 19 of the Presidential Election Act, it is the Commissioner of Elections who enjoys the power to appoint an acting commissioner.

Furthermore, international conventions demand that a candidate for the current Presidential Polls should not appoint an acting Commissioner, as it is necessary to ensure a fair and free elections, the applications stated.