By: Isuru Parakrama
November 14, Colombo (LNW): As Sri Lankans head to the polls, the Election Commission has called on citizens to cast their votes early in the day to ensure smooth operation and avoid peak congestion.
Election Commission Chairman, R.M.A.L. Ratnayake, urged voters to come prepared with valid identification documents, stressing that an official polling card is not mandatory for casting a vote.
Chairman Ratnayake assured registered voters that they can exercise their voting rights even without an official polling card, provided they bring one of several approved forms of identification.
Accepted documents include a National Identity Card (NIC), valid passport, driving licence, Public Service Retirement ID, elders’ ID, clergy ID cards, an NIC confirmation letter, and temporary ID cards issued by the Election Commission, especially for those with disabilities.
The Election Commission has also issued clear guidelines on voting procedures to minimise errors that could lead to invalid ballots. Voters may cast a single vote for either a recognised political party or an independent group, marking an ‘x’ in front of the chosen party’s symbol or the symbol and number of the independent group.
Additionally, voters may mark preferences for up to three candidates from their selected party or group by placing an ‘x’ beside the assigned numbers at the end of the ballot paper.
The Election Commission has cautioned voters against using any marks other than the specified ‘x’ when marking their ballots, as this could result in invalidation. Any ballot paper displaying votes for more than one party or group, or containing identifiable markings, will not be counted.
The commission also emphasised that the ‘x’ mark should be used exclusively for both the main vote and candidate preferences, adhering to election regulations.
In preparation for the anticipated turnout, the Election Commission encourages voters to plan ahead, follow guidelines closely, and arrive at polling stations early with appropriate identification to facilitate a seamless voting process.
