They say they will support only if the former president accepts the party chairmanship, or else they will back him to form a new party.

The SLFP headquarters is now accepting nominations for the polls.

Meanwhile, state minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena told the media yesterday (17) that the PC polls would definitely take place next year.

Ninety nine per cent of issues with regard to demarcating boundaries of LG areas have now been resolved, he said.