Public keener than ever on Presidential election: EC

• Presidential election date to be declared in coming fortnight  

As the Presidential election is around the corner, the Election Commission said it has observed an unprecedented level of interest and enthusiasm from both the general public and institutional bodies towards the election.   

Addressing the media yesterday (16), Commission Chairman R.M.A.L. Ratnayake stated that in his tenure at the commission since 1986, he has not witnessed such widespread interest from the public and institutions alike.   

In response to allegations of intentionally postponing the declaration of the election date, Ratnayake clarified, “According to the provisions, we are authorized to announce the election date from today (16) onwards. However, we will not announce it today but intend to do so before the end of this month.”   

 “Several parties have accused us of delaying the announcement. However, we have the liberty to choose any day between July 17 and August 20 for the announcement. Nevertheless, we plan to declare the date in the coming fortnight, he stressed.   

Ratnayake also affirmed that nothing will delay the announcement of this date.   

He added that the timing aligns with the Constitution and the President’s Act. Nominations for the Presidential election will be accepted between 16 and 21, following the issuing of the notice of the poll.   

The chairman also mentioned that the Presidential election must be held within four to six weeks from the date of accepting nominations.   

Meanwhile, Ratnayake emphasized that currently there are no legal and financial obstacles to proceed with the election.