GRTU protest over June 6 closure of shops

The Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises - GRTU has called on the Chief Electoral Commissioner not to order the closure of shops within 50 metres of polling stations on June 6, when European Parliament and local elections will be held.

In a judicial protest, the GRTU also called for compensation to the shops. The GRTU said provisions of the electoral law did not reflect the prevailing calm political situation. Application of the law would cause damages to many shops, mostly confectioners and stationers near schools. Such shops would certainly not involve themselves in propaganda, intimidate voters or breach public order, the GRTU said.

It pointed out that the Electoral Commissioner had, during past local council elections, occasionally not enforced the law.