Presidential poll, Mahinda's priority?

President Mahinda Rajapaksa is prioritizing a presidential election over any further provincial council or parliamentary polls, a newspaper by National Freedom Front leader Wimal Weerwansa claims. According to the lead story of today's (Aug. 16th) issue of 'Heladiva', the main reason for the consideration is that a majority of the people is now trusting the president "due to the ongoing humanitarian operations in the north."

It would be disadvantageous for Mr. Rajapaksa if he goes for a general election in which the UNP would emerge victorious, as most voters are disgruntled with almost all other UPFA politicians, his associates have pointed out.

When 'Lanka Dissent' sought a comment from a senior government politician on this, he admitted there was some truth in the newspaper reported.

He, however, pointed out the constitution made it clear that a gap between two presidential polls should be at least four years, which means the next presidential election could take place only after 17th November 2009.

Therefore, ruling party advisors are looking into the possibility of overcoming this hurdle through a constitutional amendment, after gaining a two-thirds parliamentary majority by securing the upcoming polls for two provincial councils and luring more politicians from the UNP into its ranks.

Most government affiliate parties are insisting to the president that a general election should not be called, while he is contemplating a presidential election at the end of next year if a two-thirds majority cannot be obtained.

Responding to a question, the ruling party senior said no decision has been taken to hold a referendum on extending parliament's mandate after a presidential election.