Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) General Secretary Tilvin Silva said that the JVP has not made a final decision on boycotting the forthcoming presidential election.
"However," the JVP General Secretary said, "we will not support any mainstream political party at the forthcoming presidential election. If President Mahinda Rajapaksa contests for the third time, it will raise a serious question about the legitimacy of the election. That is why we are exploring the possibility of boycotting the presidential election. But no final decision has been made so far"
Speaking to Asian Mirror, the JVP General Secretary also added that his party would mobilize the masses against what he termed as "illegitimate elections".
"Both the UNP and the UPFA are stuckin a pool of mud and they are trying to piggyback on the JVP which has positioned itself as a formidable force. We will not waste our time to rescue other political parties who have their own collateral agendas," Silva explained.
He also added that both local and foreign legal experts had confirmed to the JVP that President Mahinda Rajapaksa could not contest for presidency for a third time. He maintained that the sudden ‘rush’ to a presidential election shows the ruling party’s growing concerns.
“According to the law the next presidential election is due in 2016, but it is widely alleged that the UPFA government is planning another presidential election behind the people’s back and it could be expected early next year“, Silva said.
“If the ruling party travels down this road the JVP will not stand idle. We will take the necessary action by any means”, he said.
Silva pointed out that the President could easily remain in power till 2016 and develop the country, “but the motive is evidently clear and the ‘power driven’ attitudes of the ruling party shows no interest towards the wellbeing of the people of Sri Lanka or the country's constitution” he charged.
“There are so many issues in the country that need to be addressed immediately. But the government is only interested in holding elections to ensure their perpetuation in office, he said.
