By: Isuru Parakrama
November 04, Colombo (LNW): The postal voting process for Sri Lanka’s upcoming 2024 General Election reached its third day today (04), after officially beginning on October 30.
The Election Commission has provided an extended voting window for members of the three armed forces and employees in government institutions who missed their initial voting dates on October 30 and November 01.
Today’s session aims to accommodate those unable to participate earlier due to work commitments or logistical constraints.
Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Rathnayake has announced that additional voting opportunities will be available at District Secretariats on October 07 and 08.
This option is intended for any postal voters still unable to mark their ballots within the previous sessions, ensuring that all eligible voters in essential services can exercise their democratic rights.
The Election Commission has also provided detailed guidelines to ensure that postal ballots are marked correctly and avoid being invalidated.
Voters have one vote to select either a political party or an independent group by marking an ‘x’ in the box beside their chosen entity’s symbol.
Additionally, voters may indicate up to three preferred candidates from within the selected party or group by placing an ‘x’ beside the respective candidate numbers at the end of the ballot paper.
Clear instructions specify that ballots will be invalidated if votes are cast for multiple parties or independent groups or if markings other than the designated ‘x’ are used.
This rule seeks to minimise any ambiguity in vote counting and ensure that each vote accurately reflects the voter’s intention.
