One of the 22 Presidential contenders Sarath Kongahage yesterday filed a Fundamental Rights application in the Supreme Court against the candidature of New Democratic Front (NDF) Presidential candidate and the former Army Chief Sarath Fonseka, on the basis that he is a citizen of the United States. The petitioner stated that he had taken up objection with the Election Commissioner to the candidature of Sarath Fonseka on the basis of that he is citizen of the United States of America when he had submitted his nomination on November 17, 2009. The petitioner states that the acceptance of the nomination of Sarath Fonseka by the Elections Commissioner is a violation of the petitioner’s Fundamental Rights under Article 12 (1) of the Constitution. He stated that the Elections Commissioner overruled his objections on the nomination day on the ground that it was not within his powers to decide it at that stage and said that the petitioner could petition to the judiciary. The petitioner stated that the issue is of the utmost concern to the entire country as the election of Sarath Fonseka to the highest office would bring foreign influence to the executive bodies as he has pledged his allegiance to the United Sates by obtaining permanent residence rights there. Petitioner Sarath Kongahage cited Retired General Sarath Fonseka, Election Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake, NDF Secretary Shamila Perera and the Attorney General as respondents.