Presidential Election in Jeopardy: Security Concerns Loom Large

News Today: Presidential Election Faces IGP Appointment Issues

The Presidential Election date is to be announced today, but no statements have been made regarding the appointment of a new Inspector General of Police (IGP). The Elections Commission is determined to proceed with the Presidential election, which is to be concluded in September.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe claims he will not get involved in the nomination of another IGP to be vetted by the Constitutional Council of Parliament. Instead, he expressed his views at a special Cabinet meeting that the Supreme Court ruling, which barred Deshabandu Tennakoon from functioning as the IGP, should be dealt with by Parliament or the Constitutional Council. The Attorney General will also be consulted on the ruling to decide the next course of action.

If the IGP is not appointed, the Commission will face issues with coordinating security arrangements and the printing of ballot papers. Article 104C of the Constitution states that the Commission must notify the Inspector-General of Police of the facilities and the number of police officers required for the election. The IGP must then make these available to the Commission to ensure a free and fair election.

The Constitutional Council will meet today to discuss this matter. Many MPs believe the Supreme Court verdict should be accepted, and the President should send another name to be considered as the acting IGP. This situation creates uncertainty about the security and logistical arrangements for the upcoming Presidential Election.