The Election Commission (EC) has declared Tuesday, March 17, a public holiday as it coincides with the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Speaking at the Election Advisory Committee, EC Vice-President Ismail Habib said the decision to hold the parliamentary elections on March 17, the seventh day of Ramadan, was the most difficult decision the EC has ever taken in connection with an election.

Members of the advisory committee have also refused to hold the election during Ramadan, he said, adding that many recommended holding the election after Ramadan. However, Habib said the election could not be held after Ramadan due to lack of schools availability for polling centers. There is no legal basis for holding elections before Ramadan, he said, adding that there is no way to hold elections before Ramadan without changing the law.

The EC announced the election on March 17, which was not a public holiday. All the political parties in the advisory committee expressed concern. Some agencies have also expressed concern about it.

Habib said the polling day has not yet been fixed as a holiday but it will be fixed as a holiday.

The opportunity to contest the parliamentary elections is open from 31st of this month to 14th of next month.