COLOMBO (News 1st):- The registration of new political parties for the year 2020 ends at midnight tomorrow (February 17). The Chairman of the National Election Commission Mahinda Deshapriya speaking to News1st regarding the preparation of the forthcoming general election had this to say:

Journalist
Can there be new political parties now?

Mahinda Deshapriya
There are 70 accepted political parties. We consider 64 of them as inactive. By now we have received 74 applications. There are applications to form an alliance between registered and non-registered parties too. We will take the relevant steps following an interview.

Journalist
Can the symbol of a registered party be used for an alliance?

Mahinda Deshapriya
If a party called X drops its symbol then party Y or alliance P can use the symbol.

Journalist
Is it with the agreement of the party?

Mahinda Deshapriya
No. The party must drop the symbol.

Journalist
Is there a method to regulate campaign financing during the election period?

Mahinda Deshapriya
There must be laws regarding campaign financing. During the previous government, the cabinet had approved the laws. All political parties too have expressed agreement. However, it takes time to prepare laws in our country. Changing an electoral system is a big task. But we cannot please everyone.

Journalist
It was claimed that the provincial council election had been delayed as a result of implementing a new electoral system.

Mahinda Deshapriya
The provincial council election has gone missing. 60% of the country’s expenses are being controlled by nine persons. No one is questioning them. They are the governors. There are no public representatives. This is completely wrong. It is a violation of fundamental rights. No one is talking about it. They are saying that provincial councils are white elephants. If it is unnecessary it must be dropped from the constitution.

Journalist
Are you prepared to file a private lawsuit in this regard?

Mahinda Deshapriya
As the Chairman of the National Election Commission, I cannot file a case privately. That is the problem. It should be filed at some time.

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