(UTV|COLOMBO) – Constitutional Expert Attorney Lal Wijenayake has asserted that according to Constitutional provisions, a Candidate must obtain more than one half of the valid votes cast at the election to win the Presidential Polls.
Speaking at a gathering in Ella, Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa claimed that the belief that a candidate should obtain more than 50% of the valid votes cast at the election to become the President is a myth.
MP Weerawansa stated that the candidate with the most number of votes, even if its 47%, will be declared the winner.
However Speaking to a prominent online news portal in the isle, Attorney Lal Wijenayake, while refuting MP Weerawansa’s statement noted that, Presidential Elections Act No. 15 of 1981 has defined that a person needs an absolute majority to win the election and become the President.
He said the Constitution clearly states that to be elected President, an individual should obtain more 50% of the valid votes cast at the election, adding that is clearly defined in the Constitution and is an important article of the Constitution.
Wijenayake said if a candidate receives more than 50% of the valid votes cast at the Presidential Polls, the person will be declared President.
However he noted if no one obtains an absolute majority, the second and third preference will be tallied to elect the President.
The Attorney stated that during all past Presidential elections, the winner received more than one half of the valid votes cast at the election, adding therefore the counting of second preferences was not required.
He stated in order to become the county’s President, a Candidate should receive the backing of an absolute majority.
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