EC to hold mock poll on Sunday

The Elections Commission will take a mock poll on Sunday at a selected location as a move to determine the actual time required for the conduct of real polls in accordance with the guidelines stipulated by health authorities, an official said.  

Commission’s Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya told the Daily Mirror yesterday that the mock poll would be conducted at a town selected on the coastal belt of the country with the participation of around 250 voters. It will be conducted between 10.30 am and 12.30 pm.   “We are thinking of Panadura, Balapitiya, Akmeemana or Weligama for it. It is a rehearsal for us to determine actual timing needed for conducting polls according to the health guidelines,” he said.  

He said polling could be taken on a day after nine to 11 weeks upon the announcement of health guidelines.  
“We informed the court in this regard. We have received these guidelines now. However, whatever decision has to be taken by all three members of the commission,” he said.  

In addition to Mr. Deshapriya, Prof. Ratnajeewan Hoole and Nalin Abeysekara are the other two members of the commission.

Social distancing, hand sanitizing and wearing face masks are the three main aspects of the health precautions recommended by the medical experts to the election authorities. Election campaigning will be restricted to the pocket meetings with the participation of only 30 members each. However, rallies will be allowed only when the leaders of the respective parties in the fray participate. 

To determine actual timing needed for conducting polls according to the health guidelines(Kelum Bandara)