Acceptance of Nominations for LG Polls to Begin Today (17)

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The acceptance of nominations for the local government election will begin today.

Meanwhile, the National Election Commission has issued a notice outlining important details regarding nominations for the upcoming Local Government elections.

The notice includes 11 key points that specify the conditions under which nominations may be rejected.

The National Election Commission said that nominations can be disqualified if submitted by an unauthorized person or if the number of candidates does not match the required amount.

If a candidate fails to sign their nomination paper, their name will be removed from the list, and no substitute name will be allowed.

The notice also confirms that any bond deposited on behalf of a candidate will be forfeited if their nomination is rejected.

Nominations for the Local Government elections will begin today and will be accepted until 12 noon on March 20.

They can be submitted daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at District Secretariat offices and Election Offices, where Returning Officers will oversee the process.

Candidates must ensure their bond is deposited by 12 noon on March 19.

The Election Commission has announced that the date for the Local Government elections will be revealed on March 20.

Meanwhile, nominations for the Mannar, Poonakary, and Dehiattakandiya pradeshiya sabhas will be accepted from March 24 - 27, with the deadline for submission of security deposits set for 12 noon on March 26.

To ensure a smooth process, the Election Commission will implement enhanced security measures at all District Secretariat offices and Election offices from today. 

Chairman of the Election Commission R.M.A.L. Ratnayake urges candidates to submit their nominations in a manner that does not interfere with the ongoing 2024 GCE Ordinary Level Examination.

In addition, the acceptance of postal vote applications for 336 Local Government Institutions will close at midnight today.

The official election date is expected to be announced on March 20th.