Supreme Court petitioned requesting prevention of presidential election

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Former Mayor of Galle, filed a petition at the Supreme Court today (October 03), seeking an order to prevent the presidential election from being held on November 16th. The petitioner also requested for an order to prevent the Elections Commission from calling for nominations on October 7th. The petition states that the general public elected the current President in 2015 for a tenure of 6 years. It adds that after only 5 years of the President's tenure the Elections Commission has issued a gazette notification announcing the presidential elections. The former mayor seeks an order to annul the gazette notification issued by the Elections Commission. The Chairman and members of the Elections Commission have been named as respondents. Counsel for the Petitioner, Attorney-at-law Sandun Verehera noted that this was a clear violation of people's sovereignty. He added that following the 19th amendment the president's tenure was reduced to 5 years and they believed it was wrong for the Elections Commission to call for an election after 5 years instead of 6 years. MP Susil Premajayantha shared his thoughts regarding the petition at the Supreme Court complex. UPFA MP, Attorney at law Susil Premajayantha noted that according to article 104 of the constitution after the powers are granted upon the Election Commissioner, no amendments could be made. He added that laws pertaining to the presidential election clearly state, the presidential election must be held prior to December 9th. According to him, the petition was similar to the cabinet paper submitted to abolish the executive presidency by those who do not have any confidence in winning. "Those who file petitions and attempt to postpone elections are those who fear the elections." He finally added.