President seeks SC ruling on poll date

President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga yesterday sought a Supreme Court interpretation on the date of the next Presidential Election.

President Kumaratunga made this request in the context of the present controversy surrounding the issue, with both 2005 and 2006 being cited as possible dates.

The Government has maintained that the Presidential Election should be held next year according to the provisions of the Constitution. The Opposition says the poll should be held this year.

The Supreme Court is the supreme authority on the Constitution. The President is empowered to seek its opinion when conflicting interpretations are offered by various quarters on matters related to the Constitution.

The President has sought its rulings on several previous occasions, including her takeover of the Defence Ministry. The Supreme Court determined that the subject of defence cannot be relegated to another person.

According to the electoral system, Presidential elections have to be held every six years. Quoting political analyst Rohan Edirisinha Reuters said: "Though the Elections Commissioner normally decides, since this dispute is about interpretation of the Constitution, the constitution says that the Supreme Court is the sole and exclusive authority."

The Government last week announced its Presidential candidate, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse. Minister Anura Bandaranaike is the Prime Ministerial nominee.

The UNP has announced Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe as its Presidential candidate. No other party has named candidates so far.

Sri Lanka's first Election for the Executive Presidency was held in 1982 and the next in 1988. President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga recorded a landslide victory at the 1994 Presidential Election.

She emerged victorious at the 1999 Presidential Election to hold office as Executive President for the second time.