Court clears way for Sri Lanka poll

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Sri Lanka's Supreme Court has ruled that President Chandrika Kumaratunga's final term ends in December, clearing the way for elections between October 22 and November 22.

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But a five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Sarath Silva ruled on Friday that her second and final term will end on December 22 this year.

Kumaratunga, who was first elected in 1994, went for reelection a year early in 1999, and her opponents argued that meant she forfeited a year and must relinquish power this year.

"According to the constitution, and the interpretations heard earlier... I hold the President's second term in office commenced on 22 December 1999 and will end six years from that date," Chief Justice Sarath. N. Silva said.

Al Jazeera