• Multiple attempts to amend legal provisions have come to naught  

 The National Election Commission (NEC) yesterday (28) explained that since the relevant legal provisions were not amended despite multiple requests, only those who were previously authorised to cast postal votes will be able to do so in the Presidential Election this year (2024).

There has been discussion about expanding the number of sections eligible for postal voting, so that professionals such as journalists, and others who are often required to be on duty or work on election days, can cast their vote without hindrance.

When contacted by The Daily Morning yesterday (28), NEC Chairperson R.M.A.L. Ratnayake said that the relevant legal provisions clearly specify which sections are eligible for postal voting. Although there is a need to expand the number of sections eligible for postal voting, he emphasised that the EC lacks the authority to make any related changes at this point.

"On several occasions, we requested the relevant parties to amend the legal provisions related to the postal voting process, but it did not happen. It is not possible to do it in a very short time because the Presidential Election has now been declared. Therefore, only those who had the opportunity to cast postal votes in previous elections will have that opportunity this time." he explained.

According to the official website of the NEC, postal voting facility is provided to state officers who are engaged in election duties, officers and servants engaged in essential services, and personnel of three services (Army, Navy and Airforce), Police, and for Civil Defence Force officers engaged in security duties in the country.