Local Authorities Bill not contrary to Constitution - SC

UDITHA KUMARASINGHE AND RAJMI MANATUNGA

The Supreme Court has determined that the Local Authorities (Special Provisions) Bill which seeks to hold Local Government polls in the Northern Province is not contrary to the Constitution.

Speaker W. J. M. Lokubandara told Parliament at the commencement of proceedings that the Court’s determination to this effect has been conveyed to him.

The proposed legislation is expected to pave way for elections for the Jaffna Municipal Council, five Urban Councils and 27 Pradeshiya Sabhas in the Northern Province where elections have been postponed.

Local Government Elections have not been held in the Northern Province though nominations were received for this purpose in February 2006.

“If the election is held on the nominations that have been received, the voting would have to be on the basis of the voters’ list of 2004.

In the currently operative voters’ list of 2006, there are 8,727 new voters. Some of the ‘youth candidates’ would now be over the upper age limit.

These matters justify the enactment of the Bill,” the Supreme Court stated in its determination.