General Election: NEC Outline Key Details on Voting, Security, and Campaigning

COLOMBO (News 1st) - A special media briefing regarding the upcoming general elections was held this morning at the Department of Government Information.

The Chairman of the Election Commission, Police Spokesperson, and several other officials attended the briefing to provide key details on the voting process, security measures, and other election-related matters.

Voting Process

R.M.A.L. Rathnayake, Chairman of the Election Commission, outlined the voting process for the general elections. He explained that for the Monaragala, Polonnaruwa, and Kegalle districts, a single-column ballot paper will be used. In other electoral districts, a two-column ballot paper will be utilized. Voters will cast their vote by placing a mark next to the name and symbol of their preferred political party or independent group.

A preference section is located at the bottom of the ballot paper, where voters can mark their preferences. Voters are allowed to select up to three preferences by marking the appropriate numbers.

Security Measures and Preparations

DIG Nihal Thalduwa, the Police Spokesperson, provided an overview of the security measures in place for the election. Approximately 64,000 police officers will be deployed, along with around 70,000 auxiliary officers. An additional 6,000 personnel may also be added. The Army will assist in securing polling stations and may deploy up to 10,000 personnel if necessary. Special forces have been mobilized to protect important locations, and over 11,000 Civil Defense Force officers will carry out mobile patrols.

Voters were urged not to bring unnecessary items to polling stations, as any items found during security checks will result in arrest due to strict campaigning restrictions near polling areas.

Election Duty and Polling Cards

R.M.A.L. Rathnayake, Chairman of the Election Commission, also emphasized that all officials appointed to election duties must report to their designated locations on the appointed date, with no possibility of changing or canceling these appointments. Failure to attend or perform election duties is considered an offense and could result in penalties.

For voters who have not received their official polling cards, Rathnayake advised that they can obtain them from their post offices or download them from the Election Commission's website. However, having the polling card is not mandatory to vote, as long as voters have valid identification.

Strict Campaigning Regulations

R.M.A.L. Rathnayake, Chairman of the Election Commission, clarified that all actions are in full compliance with the Parliamentary Elections Act, and no new laws have been implemented. The strict enforcement of these regulations has helped ensure smooth presidential and ongoing election campaigns.

Election Results

Regarding the announcement of election results, 
R.M.A.L. Rathnayake, Chairman of the Election Commission, stated that while he could not predict an exact timeline, the first results, including those from postal voting, are expected to be released by midnight. He advised against prematurely announcing any outcomes to avoid complications.

SMS Campaigning

R.M.A.L. Rathnayake, Chairman of the Election Commission, also addressed concerns about election-related campaigning through SMS. He confirmed that efforts are underway to stop such activities, with legal action planned against those continuing to send campaign messages.

The Election Commission is working with the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission to address the issue, and steps will be taken soon to prevent the spread of political promotions through mobile and social media platforms.