The Chairman of Sri Lanka’s Election Commission, R.M.A.L. Rathnayake, has stated that if any disturbances or violent incidents occur at polling stations during the upcoming parliamentary election, the voting process at those specific stations may be nullified. This announcement emphasizes the Election Commission’s commitment to a fair and peaceful election process. Ratnayake highlighted that it is the responsibility of all citizens to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process by respecting their voting rights and ensuring a disturbance-free environment.
During a media briefing focused on election-related updates, Rathnayake outlined the voting schedule, with postal vote counting set to begin at 4:15 p.m. on the 14th, followed by general ballot counting starting after 7:15 p.m. once ballot boxes have been received at counting centers. Preliminary results will be verified and endorsed by the Election Commission’s headquarters before being released to the media, with Ratnayake urging media outlets to avoid broadcasting unofficial results.
He also called on voters to exercise their civic rights by voting on the 14th, stressing that voting represents a fundamental right and power for each citizen. Election procedures will follow a three-stage counting process, with parliamentary seats allocated to candidates from recognized political parties or independent groups based on the highest number of preferential votes.
