EC announces new procedure for fearful voters

Colombo, July 27 (Daily Mirror) - In response to ongoing situations in certain regions, the Election Commission of Sri Lanka has issued a new gazette notification outlining a special procedure for voters who fear they may be unable to cast their vote at their designated polling stations. 

This measure, rooted in Section 119B of the Presidential Elections Act, aims to ensure all eligible voters can participate in the upcoming election despite potential threats in their areas.

The notification specifies that any elector who has a reasonable fear of being unable to vote at their assigned polling station due to prevailing conditions can request to vote at an alternative location. The process to apply for this change involves obtaining an application from any District Returning Officer's office or District Election Office.

Applicants must submit their completed forms to the Election Commission’s office in Rajagiriya within seven days of the nomination notice, no later than August 1, 2024. 

Each application must include the applicant's National Identity Card number and certification from the relevant Grama Niladhari of their residence. Applications lacking this certification will be rejected.

The necessary information for the application can be found in the valid consolidated electoral register for 2024, available at all District Secretariats, Kachcheris, District Election Offices, and the Election Commission’s website at www.elections.lk.