(UTV | COLOMBO) – The acceptance of nominations to select a new President will take place in Parliament today.
When the office of the President is vacant before the end of his term in office, the procedure for electing a new President by Parliament is provided in the Constitution and the Presidential Elections (Special Provisions) Act (No. 2 of 1981).
From the date that the vacancy for the post of President is announced, Parliament does not plan any other agenda till a new President is selected.
Accordingly, both today and tomorrow, only matters related to the appointment of a new President will take place.
The Secretary General of Parliament will act as the ‘returning officer’ today.
Parliament that convened at 10am today, has been reserved for the acceptance of nominations for the presidency.
The Secretary General will call for nominations to be submitted today.
All MPs who intend to propose a Parliamentarian to be elected for the vacant office of President must first obtain the written consent of the MP stating his or her intent to serve in the office of President if elected.
Accordingly, a copy of the same must be handed over to the Secretary General today when nominations are to be accepted.
Furthermore, it is essential to take care of the disqualifications specified in Article 92 of the Constitution when proposing the name of a MP for the vacant position of President.
Accordingly, on the day of nominations, an MP must address the Secretary General and propose another MP for the vacant post of Presidency.
At the time of proposing, it is essential that the member who is proposing should be present in the chamber.
Subsequently, the name proposed should be confirmed by another MP. A debate in this regard is not allowed.
If only one MP’s name is proposed and confirmed, the Secretary General will announce it on the same day that an individual has been elected by Parliament for the vacant position of President.
If more than one MP is proposed and confirmed, a vote will be held tomorrow after the acceptance of nominations.