There are over 1.1 million new voters since the last election in Sri Lanka, R.M.A.L. Rathnayake, Chairman of the Election Commission has said.He also mentioned that more than 17.1 million voters are eligible to vote on 21 September at the Presidential election.

Rathnayake noted that there were 36 candidates in the 2020 election, and he anticipates an even greater number this time, which could present significant challenges.

“We have discussed this with the government printer. The ballot paper cannot exceed a length of 27 inches due to the limitations of the printing machines at the government printer. If this length is exceeded, we will have to redesign the ballot paper, possibly printing it in an A4 format. Last time, we accommodated 36 names, which took up 26 inches,” Rathnayake said.

He also pointed out that a lengthy ballot paper could impact the number of ballot boxes required and the process of counting votes.

“A lengthy ballot paper also poses difficulties for voters, as it takes longer to locate their preferred candidate when the list is very long. This increases the average time spent voting, which, in turn, affects the overall time taken to cast votes,” he added.

Rathnayake highlighted that this election marks the first time the new campaign finance laws, under the Regulation of Election Expenditure Act No. 3 of 2023, will come into effect. Several discussions with stakeholders have already taken place. He noted that these campaign finance laws will only become effective once nominations are called for the Presidential Election.

“Within five days after the nomination period ends, representatives of political parties will be summoned to the election secretariat to determine how much a candidate can spend per voter during the campaign. We have already consulted relevant state entities and other election stakeholders. After considering all inputs, the Election Commission will set the spending limits for candidates,” Rathnayake explained.

He further stated that candidates are required to submit their expenditure reports within 21 days after the election concludes. The Election Commission must then make these reports public within 10 days, after which the public can lodge complaints regarding candidate expenditures.

Rathnayake assured that the absence of an Inspector General of Police (IGP) has not affected the Election Commission. The Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security has guaranteed that an adequate number of police officers will be provided to ensure a free and fair election.

“In late July, we requested the Secretary to the President to appoint an IGP or an acting IGP to coordinate with us throughout the election period. We received a response indicating that the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security has been directed to supply the necessary number of police officers. We subsequently met with the Secretary and the Senior Deputy Inspector General (SDIG) responsible for elections. We have also spoken to all Senior DIGs and the STF commandant, and everyone has agreed to provide the necessary security,” he said. (RK)