Responding to the statement issued by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, UNP Chairman Kabir Hashim said an election could only be held within a democratic framework. 

"We are all for holding elections and have never been afraid of seeking the public opinion. But, before anything, we need a legitimate government in the country," Hashim, in a statement, said this evening. 

He also added that the group enjoying the majority in Parliament should be allowed to form a legitimate government. 

Hashim also added that it was the SLFP group within the unity government that tried to postpone elections, citing various reasons.