News
Warning to contestants: Submit expense reports or face civic disabilities
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Candidates contesting the 14 November 2024 general election must submit their expense reports in accordance with the Campaign Finance Act, and failure to do so could result in the loss of their civic rights for three years, Rohana Hettiarachchi, Executive Director of the People’s Action for Free & Fair Elections (PAFFREL), told The Island yesterday. A total of 8,821 candidates are contesting the upcoming general election.”They are required to submit their expense reports within 21 days following the election,” Hettiarachchi said.
He said 8,625 of these candidates were expected to lose, as only 196 MPs can be elected. “Some candidates may feel there is nothing to gain by submitting their expense reports after losing the election. However, the Election Commission and the police will take action against those who fail to do so. Such candidates may even lose their civic rights for three years,” he said. Those who lose their civic rights will be ineligible to contest the provincial or local council elections scheduled for 2025, Hettiarachchi added.
