Opposition parties worried over poll Bill
petitioned the Supreme Court against the Parliamentary Elections (Amendment) Bill
United national party and the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) and the pro-LTTE Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on Wednesday petitioned the Supreme Court against the Parliamentary Elections (Amendment) Bill, The Island reported.
The newspaper said the petitioners challenged, in particular, Section 6 (6) of the Bill which says a political party shall not be entitled to be treated as a recognised political party if, in the opinion of the Election Commissioner, it’s name signifies any religion or community.
“This limitation is arbitrary, discriminatory and breaches the freedom of speech and expression. This provision is inconsistent with Articles 12 (1), 12(2), 14(1) (a) and 14(1) (C) of the Constitution of Sri Lanka” the report quoted the petition.
The petitioners requested the court to declare that the Bill could be passed only with a special majority in Parliament or with a referendum.
The Sri lanka Freedom party Mahajana Wing leader mangala Samaraweera MP also against to the this bill
