By Nominations for the presidential election are scheduled to be accepted only in mid-August, with the exact date to be announced in the coming week, according to Election Commission sources.
The election is now expected to be held on September 21, instead of the earlier suggested dates of October 5 or 12. Constitutionally, once the election is announced, nominations must be received within 16 to 21 days, and the election should be conducted within 28 to 42 days, allowing the Commission a maximum of 63 days to complete the election process.
Campaigns and Preparations
Political parties, election monitoring groups, and civil society organizations are urging the Election Commission to announce the nomination day as soon as possible. Since last Wednesday (July 17), the Commission has been authorized to declare the nomination day. Many political comentaters have expressed disappointment at the election’s commission for announcing the date of nominations at the first possibale opportunity. Opposition parliamentarian Luxman Kirialla said that the election commission has given more time to Ranil WIickramasingha more time to make use of his presidency to manipulate the electoral process.
Defensive Election Commission
Elections Commissioner General Saman Shri Ratnayake advised political parties and other groups against pressuring for an early election declaration, as it could be perceived as interference in the Commission’s activities.
Election Commission Chairman R.M.A.L. Ratnayake mentioned that nominations would be called for “in the next few days,” and preparations for the polls are well underway. He noted that in a recent meeting with Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardena, an assurance was given that Rs 10 billion would be allocated as required. It was also highlighted that election expenses could double compared to the previous presidential election.
Security Arrangements
The Elections Commission has requested Police Chief Deshabandu Tennakkoon to devise a security plan for the nomination day and the campaign period leading up to the election. This includes a strategy for deploying police personnel and vehicles.A Deputy Inspectior General of Police is to be assigned in charge of security for candidates. President Ranil Wickremesinghe submitted a cabinet paper this week regarding the enhancement of personal security for candidates in the upcoming presidential election. Approval was granted to form a committee to oversee these security arrangements. The committee will include the Public Security Ministry Secretary, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector General of Police, and the Chief of National Intelligence and the Senior Deputy Inspector General in charge of elections will take care of operational matters.
