The Election Commission (EC) stated that it is taking all possible steps to prevent political parties from being registered with ethnic or religious motives.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, EC Chairperson R.M.A.L. Rathnayake said that the gazette notifications on party registration clearly prohibits registering parties on the basis of ethnicity or religion. 

“When registering political parties, we check as to whether they are being formed on such grounds. The relevant legal provisions state what can be done if there is suspicion. We act according to them,” he said.

He added that applicants must undergo three interviews conducted by the EC, during which they are questioned on all aspects, including their policies, objectives, and vision. 

“They are also required to submit various types of documents. If, during this process, we feel that a party is attempting to register on the basis of ethnicity or religion, we will take necessary action to prevent it,” noted Rathnayake.

The EC stated recently that interviews for new political parties applying for registration for this year have commenced. The Commissioner-General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake said that 83 applications were received in February, of which 36 were rejected for not meeting the basic requirements. 

Preliminary interviews are now being held for the remaining 47 applicants, and those that qualify will be called for a second round of interviews. The parties that pass the second stage will then be officially registered as political parties for 2025.

Meanwhile, Rathnayake told The Daily Morning recently that the growing number of political parties is creating practical difficulties, particularly during elections, and that therefore, the EC is studying the possibility of recommending amendments to the Parliament to impose some limitations on registrations.

“Registering political parties unnecessarily is an issue. As a solution, we are studying as to whether we can propose amendments to the Parliamentary Elections Act to limit registrations. But, this is not an easy task since political rights are guaranteed by the Constitution,” he explained.