The Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill, which aims to facilitate the calling of fresh nominations and the holding of Local Government (LG) Elections, has been published in a gazette by the Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local Government, Election Commission Chairman R.M.A.L. Rathnayake confirmed.

Outlining the key steps required for the bill to become law and for the elections to proceed, Rathnayake stated that the gazetted bill would remain open for 14 days, allowing individuals or entities to challenge its provisions before the Supreme Court. 

This period is intended to ensure public scrutiny and legal transparency. 

Following this, the bill will be added to the parliamentary agenda and is expected to be taken up for debate within four to five days of its inclusion.

Rathnayake further explained that the bill included a provision for publishing an amendment to the new act, which would nullify previous nominations and provide the legal framework for calling fresh nominations for the LG Elections.

Addressing concerns about the cost of the elections, Rathnayake emphasised that the projected expenses would remain manageable despite inflationary pressures.

He highlighted that the cost estimates for the LG Elections, initially projected at Rs. 8 billion, may rise to approximately Rs. 10 billion due to inflation.

However, this figure aligns with or is lower than the costs of other national elections, such as the Presidential Election at Rs. 10 billion and the Parliamentary Elections at Rs. 11 billion.

The Election Commission will only begin preparation for the LG Polls anticipated before April once the bill has been passed in Parliament and after the requisite budget has been approved, according to Rathnayake.

He assured that measures were in place to ensure a smooth electoral process with the ultimate goal of conducting LG Elections efficiently and on schedule.