Voter cooperation and strict law enforcement for free and fair Election.

The Chairman of the Election Commission, R.M.A.L. Ratnayake, stated that the cooperation of all parties, including voters, is essential for holding a free and fair election. Instructions have already been given to all security forces to strictly enforce the law on Election Day.

Only authorized individuals are allowed to be present near polling stations, and rules and regulations have been established for this purpose.

The behaviour of voters within the polling station plays a key role in ensuring a free and fair election. The use of mobile phones within polling station premises is prohibited. Taking photos or recording videos is strictly forbidden.

Voters are also prohibited from entering polling stations under the influence of drugs or carrying weapons.

Voters must not take photos of their marked ballots or disclose for whom they voted inside the polling station. After casting their vote, citizens should not loiter near polling stations or behave improperly on public roads on Election Day.

Large public gatherings to broadcast election results on big screens are also discouraged, especially during vote counting. If any violence occurs at a polling station, based on the station’s head’s report, the votes there will be annulled.

If this affects the overall results, a re-polling will be conducted, and the final results cannot be declared until results from that station are received. Therefore, Ratnayake emphasized the importance of everyone’s cooperation to ensure a free and fair election during a special awareness program at the Government Information Department today.

During the voting process, a single preference can be given to a candidate by marking it with a cross. If preferences are given, the Roman numeral “I” is counted as the vote, while “II” and “III” are counted as preferences.

Incorrect marking can invalidate the vote. The first count will focus on the number of votes each candidate receives. If a candidate receives 50% plus one vote, they will be declared the President. If no candidate secures 50% plus one, the vote will move to a preference counting stage.