By Sheain Fernandopulle   

The Election Commission has announced that voters with disabilities will receive special assistance to cast their ballots in the upcoming Parliamentary Election on November 14, 2024. 

 
According to the Commission, voters who are totally or partially blind, or have physical disabilities, will be allowed to bring someone to help them mark their ballot paper.   

This assistant must be at least 18 years old, not be a candidate, and not have any disabilities themselves. The assistant also cannot be an authorised agent of a political candidate or involved in the election campaign.   
“Voters wishing to bring an assistant must obtain a “certificate of eligibility,” which can be collected from local Divisional Secretariats, Grama Niladhari Offices, or the Election Commission’s website. This certificate must be presented at the polling station on Election Day,” the Commission stated.   

“The assistant will help the voter in the voting cubicle, but it is crucial that both the voter and assistant bring valid identification documents, such as a National Identity Card,” it added.