Elections Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya reportedly told political party representatives that his office would face a logistic problem in the accommodation of polling booth agents representing the record number of candidates in the fray this time.

Mr. Deshapriya said by Wednesday deposits had been made for 20 candidates and it was a record.

Two polling booth agents can be nominated on behalf of each candidate.

Accordingly, Mr. Deshapriya said there would be at least 40 such agents at each polling station this year.

“I will take measures to accommodate them on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. If there is a space issue, I will be compelled to arrange seating for others outside the relevant polling stations,” Mr. Deshapriya said.

The political party representatives met the Elections Commission Chief on Wednesday evening to discuss arrangements on October 7 for handing over nomination papers.

The Commission will accept nomination papers from the prospective candidates on that day. (Kelum Bandara)