Sri Lanka, Sept. 16 -- Former Elections Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya has called on Parliament to decide without delay how and when the postponed Provincial Council elections will be held.

Speaking to media after attending a celebration at the Election Commission to mark International Day of Democracy, Deshapriya said democracy is needed every day and forms part of everyday life, extending beyond politics into social and cultural spheres.

"In a democratic society, elections must be held," he said, adding that he had hoped an announcement would be made either on the day or within the week on whether the elections would be held under the old Proportional Representation system or the new Mixed-Member Proportional system.

"When it...