Election Commission Chairman Nimal G. Punchihewa said if the Government goes for a snap General Election by dissolving Parliament, Rs.10,000 million would be needed to conduct the poll.
Since the country is facing a severe economic crisis at present, it is not opportune for such a hasty move. Therefore, the National Elections Commission (NEC) calls upon all recognised political parties to explore the possibility of setting up an Interim Government for the time being and later the Government can go for a General Election when the present burning economic issues are solved to a considerable extent, the NEC Chairman told the Sunday Observer.
He said the NEC needs about four months to get ready for a General Election if such an election is declared to be held. “Therefore, I ask responsible Government authorities to give priority at this moment to utilise such a massive amount of money to be allocated to hold a General Election to solve the shortages of gas, fuel and electricity since a large number of people countrywide are now suffering immensely due to the lack of these basic day-to-day needs. These are the needs of the hour for the masses countrywide,” he said.