Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has accused the government of preparing a proposal to modify the electoral system, which he says is an attempt to deceive the public.
Issuing a statement, MP Premadasa said it is no secret that the current government, which has already delayed scheduled elections, is actively preparing strategies to further postpone the upcoming elections scheduled for next year.
“This preparation includes the proposal to modify the electoral system, which we view as an attempt to deceive the public. It is essential for the government to recognize that this proposal is akin to offering a poisoned cake, and the citizens of this nation will not be misled,” he said.
MP Premadasa further alleged that the government’s initial act of unlawfully postponing local government elections was a clear violation of the people’s sovereign authority.
“Leaders who lack the legitimate mandate of the people fail to gain the genuine support and blessings of the populace. It is a universally acknowledged truth that regimes seize power opportunistically, employing various political manoeuvres to circumvent the will of the people, ultimately leading their nations into tragedy.
“Moreover, our nation has witnessed numerous tragic consequences resulting from the postponement of elections in the past. We must question whether the current government is willing to steer the country back into a dark era. It is undeniable that delaying or neglecting elections mandated by the Constitution constitutes a grave assault on the foundations of democracy within a nation,” he said.
MP Premadasa stressed that his alliance firmly asserts that “Elections must not be delayed, and there should be no question of postponement.”
“Expecting an election from a government led by a president who has undermined the sovereignty of the people’s parliament through mockery, insults, and humiliation may seem like a distant dream. However, we are fully prepared to employ all possible measures to counteract this distressing trajectory,” he said.
The Opposition Leader warned the government that any measures taken by an authoritarian and anti-democratic regime to suppress democracy and the sovereignty of the people will undoubtedly be thwarted by the collective power of the citizens.
“In conclusion, we reiterate our commitment to safeguarding the democratic principles and values that our nation holds dear. The government should take heed of the will of the people and respect the sanctity of the electoral process, for the strength of a nation’s democracy lies in the unfaltering trust and participation of its citizens,” he added. (NewsWire)
