The Election Commission has issued a strong advisory to voters, urging them to approach with caution the various election surveys circulating ahead of the upcoming presidential election. Commissioner General of Elections, Saman Sri Ratnayake, emphasized that these surveys, often conducted by multiple parties with differing agendas, should not be viewed as definitive indicators of public opinion or electoral outcomes.
Ratnayake expressed concerns that some surveys might be designed to manipulate voter sentiment rather than reflect the true state of public opinion. He warned that these polls could create a false sense of momentum for certain candidates or parties, potentially swaying undecided voters or causing others to feel that their preferred candidate has no chance of winning, thus influencing their decision at the ballot box.
The Commissioner General further advised voters to base their decisions on reliable information and personal conviction rather than be swayed by potentially biased or misleading survey results. He underscored the importance of each vote in shaping the future leadership of the country, reminding the public that election results are ultimately determined by the collective choice of informed voters, not by the predictions of surveys.
In his statement, Ratnayake also highlighted the Election Commission’s commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent election process. He reassured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to prevent any undue influence on voters and to maintain the integrity of the election.
The Election Commission’s message comes at a time when election surveys are becoming increasingly prevalent, often making headlines and influencing public discourse. With the presidential election approaching, the Commission is keen to ensure that voters remain focused on the issues and candidates rather than being distracted by potentially unreliable survey data.
