The non-appointment of two members to vacancies in the Election Commission, (EC) which should have five members, has become a hindrance in the performance of some of its duties, The Daily Morning learns.

On 29 June, President Ranil Wickremesinghe appointed three members to the EC, namely R.M.A.L. Rathnayake (Chairman), M.A.P.C. Perera, and Ameer Mohamed Faiz, although two more members are yet to be appointed.

While speaking to The Daily Morning, Rathnayake said that although the EC is able to carry out its general duties with three members, the lack of two members is a hindrance in certain cases. “The EC is now an incomplete body. The quorum is there so that three of us can carry out duties, but the lack of two members is a hindrance in certain cases.” Despite the issue, he said that the EC has met on three occasions since his appointment as Chairman and that its general duties, such as those related to political parties, are being carried out. “Mainly, activities pertaining to the Local Government (LG) Elections have been halted, but, other activities are ongoing.”

When contacted by The Daily Morning to inquire about the matter, Speaker of the Parliament and Constitutional Council (CC) Chairman Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana said that there is no preparation to fill the said two vacancies as of now. “There is no update in this regard. The CC will meet and discuss this matter.”

The objectives of the EC are to conduct free and fair elections and referendums as specified in the relevant constitutional provisions. It is empowered to perform the duties and functions of conducting elections and preparing annual voter registers according to the relevant laws.