 
A petition has been submitted to the Supreme Court, contesting the legality of the gazette notification issued for the parliamentary elections scheduled on November 14, 2024. The petition, filed by H. M. Priyantha Herath, convener of the 'Api Sri Lanka National Organisation,' alleges that the decision to hold the elections on this date violates constitutional guidelines.
The respondents named in the petition include the Attorney General, the President’s Secretary, the Chairman of the Election Commission, and other commission members.
Key Constitutional Argument
The petition centers on a claimed breach of the Parliamentary Polling Act, which specifies that polling must occur no earlier than five weeks and no later than seven weeks after the acceptance of nominations. The petitioner argues that November 14 falls outside this legally mandated time frame, rendering the election schedule unconstitutional.
Relief Sought
The petitioner has requested the Supreme Court to:
- Recognize the violation of constitutional provisions.
- Issue an order for corrective measures to bring the election schedule in line with legal requirements.
Impact of Legal Proceedings
The matter now lies with the Supreme Court, which must determine whether the scheduled election date complies with electoral laws. If the court rules in favor of the petitioner, it could result in:
- Rescheduling of the election date to align with the legal framework.
- Potential adjustments to the election timeline, impacting preparations and campaigning.
Broader Implications
This case raises critical questions about the adherence to electoral laws and constitutional provisions in Sri Lanka. The outcome will not only influence the upcoming parliamentary elections but may also set a precedent for ensuring electoral integrity in future polls.
As the nation awaits the court’s decision, the case highlights the importance of maintaining transparency and legality in the electoral process.
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