Colombo, September 10, 2024 – The Election Commission has issued an urgent directive for the removal of all stickers and promotional material related to the presidential election from vehicles. This move aims to enforce compliance with the election laws stipulated under Section 74 of the Election of the President Act No. 15 of 1981.
The Commission’s decision comes in response to numerous complaints regarding the use of private vehicles—including buses and three-wheelers—for displaying stickers, flags, and photos of presidential candidates and their parties. Such actions, the Commission notes, constitute a breach of election regulations designed to maintain fairness and prevent undue influence during the electoral process.
In addition to this directive, the Election Commission has instructed the police to conduct emergency inspections across all jurisdictions to ensure that the stickers are promptly removed. This enforcement action is part of a broader effort to address the 3,041 complaints received so far regarding the presidential election. Of these, 2,947 are related to violations of election laws, while 25 involve acts of violence.
In a related development, the Ministry of Education has announced that all schools on the island will be closed on Friday, September 20, in preparation for the presidential election taking place on September 21. Schools designated as vote-counting centers have been instructed to remain closed as needed to facilitate the electoral process.
The swift actions by the Election Commission and the Ministry of Education underline the importance of maintaining electoral integrity and ensuring a smooth voting experience for the public.
