• EC Chair says as higher the no. of candidates the higher the costs including time, effort & finances 

The Election Commission (EC) has indicated that the potential higher number of Presidential candidates for the forthcoming Presidential Election may drive the actual costs beyond the previously estimated Rs. 10 billion, with decisions to be made accordingly.

As of yesterday (14), more than 30 potential Presidential candidates have deposited bail to contest the Presidential Election to be held on 21 September. The EC recently stated that with the increase in the number of candidates, the expenses to be spent on the Election will also increase.

When queried by The Daily Morning as to whether there is a risk of having to spend more than the previously estimated Rs. 10 billion for the Presidential Election, EC Chairperson R.M.A.L. Rathnayake said: "In this situation, it may even be higher than the previously estimated expenditure. The necessary decisions will be taken in this regard accordingly." He also said that more time, effort and money of the relevant institutions and officials would inevitably have to be spent on the Presidential Election when there are more candidates.

Apart from the main Presidential candidates, an unprecedented number of candidates from minor political parties and independent individuals are expected to contest in the upcoming Presidential Election, with over 30 already having made the required monetary deposits. Several parties have expressed concerns that this surge in candidates could significantly increase election-related expenses, suggesting that many of these candidates have entered the race to subtly support mainstream candidates by diverting votes.

However, State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, recently assured that the increasing number of candidates contesting the Presidential Election is not a cause for concern, emphasising that sufficient monetary provisions are in place. He acknowledged that if the number of candidates becomes too large, extending the ballot paper by an additional page may be necessary, which would lead to increased costs. Despite these potential challenges, he affirmed that the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilisation, and National Policies is committed to providing the necessary funds for the Presidential Election once the relevant submissions are made.