If you are a voter who is fully or partially visually impaired or has a physical disability, you have the right to be accompanied by an assistant to help you mark your ballot paper at the polling station. Here’s how you can arrange for this assistance:
First, ensure that your assistant meets the requirements. They must be at least 18 years old and should not be a candidate in the election or serve as an authorized representative, regional representative, or polling station representative for any candidate.
To arrange for an assistant, you need to obtain a Certificate of Fitness, as specified in the fifth schedule of the Act on the election of the President. You can get the necessary application forms from the District Election Office, the Village Officer’s Office, or from the Election Commission’s website at www.elections.gov.lk. Complete the application form and submit it to the Village Officer for certification. Afterward, it must be certified by a government medical officer.
On election day, make sure that both you and your assistant carry valid identification, such as National Identity Cards or any other accepted form of ID at the polling station. When you arrive at the polling station, present the Certificate of Fitness along with the identification cards. Your assistant will then be permitted to help you mark your ballot paper according to the procedures set by the Election Commission.
For detailed information, refer to the complete notification issued by the Election Commission.
