Polls should be held under a legitimate govt.

United National Front (UNF) MP Patali Champika Ranawaka said yesterday it was ridiculous to claim for majority power of the people in the country through a general election by those who did not respect the majority in parliament. He told a news conference held at the Parliament Complex that they were not afraid of elections and added that the election should be announced under a legitimate government which commanded the majority in parliament so that free and fair elections could be ensured. “We are ready for an election. But it should be held under a legitimate government. This illegal government is trying to hold the election by misusing state property, state media and using thuggery,” he said.

He said the UNF was ready to discuss about holding a general election with all the parties soon after they obtained the government.

“We will hold the general election at the proper time in a fair manner without misusing state resources,” he said.

MP Ranawaka said President Maithripala Sirisena had no mandate now and added that he should announce a Presidential election to see whether he had a mandate for what he had done.

He said the Rajapaksa faction disrupted activities in parliament by threatening the Speaker as they had no majority in parliament.

“They claim that Ranil Wickremesinghe was appointed as the Prime Minister in 2015 without a majority. Then they could have brought a no-confidence motion in parliament. But they did not do it. They did not even defeat any budgets,” he said.

They would hand over affidavits to President Maithripala Sirisena assuring majority support for Ranil Wickremesinghe, UNF MP Patali Champika Ranawaka said.

Election should be held under a legitimate govt. This illegal govt is trying to hold the election by misusing state property, state media and using thuggery