The alleged incident has raised questions about voting integrity in Ginigtahena as the voter claims the polling officer initially disregarded her specified party and instead marked the ballot for the National People’s Power (NPP). Dayawathi’s complaint details her experience with the polling officer, who she claims initially dismissed her request and marked the ballot incorrectly, causing her concern about the accuracy of her vote.
The incident unfolded at the Minuwandeniya polling station, where Dayawathi, feeling unwell, sought assistance with her ballot due to her health condition. After asking for her ballot to be marked for the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) party, she noticed it had been stamped for the NPP instead. In response to her objection, the polling officer allegedly insisted he would correct the mistake, marking it for the SJB’s symbol (the telephone) before returning it to her.
Upon verification with other officials at the station, Dayawathi ultimately placed her ballot in the box but, later, felt uneasy about the initial mishap. She subsequently reported the incident to the Polpitiya Police.
The complaint has prompted Nuwara Eliya District Returning Officer Nandana Galabada to announce plans for an inquiry. “Once we have the formal complaint, we will start a thorough investigation into what transpired at the polling station,” he said.
This situation has heightened scrutiny of polling procedures in Ginigtahena and raised concerns about the need for transparency and proper oversight to ensure that voters’ choices are accurately reflected on their ballots. The complaint has also sparked discussion among election monitors and political observers about training and accountability measures for polling officers, as well as protocols for addressing voter assistance needs without compromising the integrity of the vote.
