Can’t pay back deposits until poll results released: ECElection Commission Chairman Nimal G. Punchihewa said that there is no possibility of paying the deposits back until the election results are announced.

If the new delimitation gazette is issued, he said that nominations may have to be called again. “Any legal issues that could arise with this will have to be resolved according to the occasion,” he said.

He also said that a decision will have to be taken after discussing with relevant parties if the election is held according to new delimitations, and that previous nominations will have to be cancelled if nominations are called anew.

Mr. Punchihewa said that a decision will have to be made about the money deposited as well, and the councils will be gazette according to new divisions, new election officials will be appointed, and the election process will have to be conducted afresh.