Voting for an important general election in Sri Lanka started this morning. Polling will take place across 25 electoral districts, where 196 Members of Parliament (MPs) will be elected for the 10th Parliament of Sri Lanka. Additionally, 29 MPs will be elected from the national list. A total of 8,361 candidates are competing in this year’s general election, with 527 candidates eligible to be appointed as National List MPs.
The first general election after the economic crisis
Approximately 900,000 new voters are prepared to participate in the 2024 general election, bringing the total number of voters to over 17 million, according to the Election Commission. In addition, measures have been implemented to deploy more than 90,000 police and military personnel to ensure the security of today’s elections. This marks the first general election held in 2022 following a series of anti-government protests triggered by a severe economic crisis in the country.
A more peaceful situation
The Election Commission has reported a total of 496 complaints related to the election so far, with most of these complaints concerning minor incidents. The reports indicate that candidates have refrained from using government vehicles for their campaigning in this year’s general election. Additionally, the number of reported violations of election laws is significantly lower than in previous elections.
The peaceful conduct of the elections in Sri Lanka thus far marks a significant change for the society. Recently, foreign election observers held a press conference at the Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo, where they shared insights from their discussions with various parties regarding the election activities over the past two days. They also noted meetings with representatives of civil organisations in Sri Lanka.
This year, foreign election observers from ten different countries have contributed to the election process. They highlighted that this year’s general election can be regarded as the most peaceful in comparison to previous elections. They expressed appreciation that no serious incidents, such as killings, serious injuries, or arson, have been reported this time. Additionally, they acknowledged that Sri Lankan society has progressed to operate at a more advanced level.
Mr Naseem Syed from the Cambridge Institute, speaking on behalf of the election observers, highlighted that his election observation activities take place in the districts of Trincomalee, Matale, Colombo, Matara, Jaffna, Badulla, Gampaha, Kalutara, and Nuwara Eliya. He also mentioned that he will present a detailed report on the general election following these observation activities. Additionally, the counting of votes will be monitored by their team.
The last meeting of the world’s smallest cabinet
The final meeting of the smallest cabinet in the world took place on the afternoon of the 12th, chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat. This cabinet, formed after the last presidential election, includes President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, and Cabinet Minister Vijitha Herath. Reports indicate that no further cabinet meetings will be held until the new parliament convenes following the general election.
Requesting votes through text messages despite the ban on campaigning
Investigations have begun into several incidents reported during this election period. A significant issue that has come to light is the continuation of election campaigns through text messages sent to mobile phones during the quiet period following campaign activities. R.M. A. L. Ratnayake, Chairman of the Election Commission, stated that legal action will be taken against the candidates involved in such practices. He emphasised that the Election Commission is collaborating with the Sri Lanka Telecommunication Regulatory Commission to halt the sending of these text messages and to address campaigning activities conducted through social media.
It has become mandatory for both public and private sector employers to grant employees leave to vote, depending on the distance between their workplace and the polling station. The Election Commission has emphasised multiple times that it is the responsibility of the authorities to ensure this requirement is met. Additionally, campaigning is prohibited within 500 meters of polling stations.
13421 polling stations across the country
To conduct the parliamentary elections, the ballot boxes were transported from the district election operation offices to the polling stations with police protection. Election officials also accompanied the ballot boxes to the polling stations. Additionally, preparations included holding polling rehearsals at every polling station the evening before. A total of 13421 polling stations have been established across the country, along with 2,034 counting stations. Mobile police vehicles have been deployed around the polling stations to ensure security.
A force of 90,000 for security
Measures have been implemented to deploy 90,000 members of the security forces, including police officers, to ensure the security of the general election. Senior Deputy Inspector General of Elections Asanga Karawita highlighted that this includes 64,000 police officers, 12,228 civil defence officers, and 3,200 special task force officers. In addition, 11010 personnel from the Army have also been assigned to election duties.
For the upcoming general election, arrangements have been made to assign at least two police officers to each of 13421 polling stations. Furthermore, there are currently 3,109 police mobile units operating, with a minimum of five police officers deployed for each mobile visit.
Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Asanga Karawita stated that anti-riot units are on alert to address any emergency situations that may arise.
