• EC Chair points to lack of progress on legal framework to facilitate same

The Election Commission (EC) has announced that it will not provide additional voting facilities for individuals to cast their vote outside of their registered polling stations in the upcoming Presidential Election despite requests from various parties urging the EC to allow these individuals to cast their votes near their places of duty or through alternative methods.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (15), EC Chairperson R.M.A.L. Rathnayake explained that the lack of necessary legal provisions prevents the EC from implementing such measures. 

“We are willing to provide such facilities, but, without the required legal framework, it is simply not possible,” he stated. Rathnayake expressed frustration over the lack of legislative progress in this area, noting that the EC has repeatedly urged both the current and previous Governments to introduce laws that would enhance accessibility to polling stations and allow for advance voting.

However, he pointed out that the lawmakers have not given adequate attention to these proposals. “The EC only has the authority to submit proposals and implement what is already in the election laws. We don’t have the power to initiate new measures outside of the existing legal framework,” he said. 

However, he acknowledged the difficulties faced by voters due to accessibility and travel related issues but reiterated that no new initiatives would be implemented for this Election. 

“We have brought this matter to the attention of the relevant authorities. We submitted proposals to both the relevant Parliamentary Select Committee and the Presidential Commission on Electoral Reforms, headed by President’s Counsel and former Chief Justice Priyasath Dep. Unfortunately, no substantial progress has been made,” he added.