News
Electoral process managers assess and adapt to tackle priorities
View(s):By Nathara Abeywickrema
I mportant state agencies are in the final lap of making preparations to deliver their responsibilities for the September presidential election, being held after Sri Lanka’s unprecedented economic bankruptcy.
The Department of Government Printing, an essential player in the electoral process, responsible for producing the critical materials needed, including ballot papers and voter lists, is now printing the ballot papers.
Wheels in motion at all state bodies involved in the upcoming election. (file pic by Eshan Fernando
Government printer Gangani Liyanage said that with the election date set for September 21, the department is rushing to produce and distribute not just the ballot papers, but also voter lists, instruction booklets for polling officials, and other essential documents. Close coordination with the Election Commission is ensuring that all materials are produced according to specification and delivered on time.
To handle any last-minute changes, such as candidate withdrawals or legal amendments, the printer is maintaining close communication with the EC.
She said a budget of Rs 800 million was expectedfor the printing of ballot papers. This would increase if the ballot paper exceeds 26 inches, which was the precise length in 2019.
Election Commission Chairman R.M.A.L. Ratnayake this week voiced concerns about the potential complications of a lengthy ballot paper as the number of presidential candidates increases.
He noted that the printing machines have a maximum length capacity, and exceeding this could necessitate changes to the ballot paper format, leading to challenges in the election process.
He said there could be a major financial and logistical strain on the election process due to the anticipated rise in candidates, which could cause delays and higher expenses.
The Postal Department is improving its distribution networks to ensure that postal ballots reach eligible voters promptly, regardless of their location, including the state officers who will be on election duty.
This includes setting up special despatch centres and deploying additional resources to manage the increased volume of postal ballots, Deputy Postmaster General Rajitha Ranasinghe said.
He detailed the Postal Department’s involvement in postal voting and distributing official election notices. A team of 8,000 employees has been deployed to ensure that official election notices and polling cards reach every household efficiently, he said. He added that extra staff will manage regular mail deliveries.
Ensuring the integrity of postal ballots is paramount. The department is implementing strict security for the handling and collection of completed ballots. This includes secure transport, monitoring systems, and special protocols to prevent any unauthorised access or tampering with the ballots.
The deadline for submitting postal voting applications for the upcoming presidential election closed at midnight on Friday.
The smooth conduct of elections is a hallmark of a functioning democracy, requiring meticulous planning and coordination across multiple government departments and agencies, a senior police official said.
He confirmed that police have deployed officers based on EC’s requests on several occasions.
All 602 police stations islandwide have placed special emphasis on addressing election violence and election-related complaints, he said.
In view of the President’s heightened focus on security measures following the assassination attempt on former US president Donald Trump, police units have been specifically tasked with monitoring potential hotspots and responding swiftly to incidents, and investigating complaints, he said.
This proactive approach includes increased patrols, rapid response teams, and close coordination with election officials to handle any disturbances or allegations of misconduct, he explained.
Ensuring the security of voters, polling stations, and election materials are top priorities, he said. The police and military are working together to provide security at all polling stations.
In addition, quick response teams are being deployed to handle any incidents, he said.
Public complaint management units have been set up across all divisional secretariats, with 12 officers stationed at the EC to monitor the misuse of state property. Training workshops on enforcing election laws began on August 9 in the North, North-Central, and Southern provinces, and will extend to all provinces throughout the week.
Special committees have also been appointed to oversee security of candidates. This will be reinforced in collaboration with the special police unit, state intelligence service, and the tri-forces. Particular focus will be given to candidates facing high threats.
He mentioned that the police are trying to manage their own vehicles for logistics, but will rent additional vehicles if needed, with approval from the EC. Election monitoring teams have been appointed, and their recommendations will be considered and will be implemented after August 15, the nomination day.
Additionally, requests have been submitted to the EC to get the labour force to remove posters and cutouts promoting political parties. A fair allowance has been proposed for their work.
Meanwhile, Deputy Election Commissioner (Electoral Dispute Resolution) Piyumi Atigala addressing a news conference on Friday, said, that a significant number of complaints related to social media posts have been received and they will be giving special attention to this area.
District secretariat representatives also shared insights on preparations.
Gampaha District Secretary, Lalinda Gamage said that initial planning is underway, but formal committee-creation circulars have not yet been issued. Decisions will be finalised after nomination day on August 15 based on the committee’s recommendations. There are 1.88 million voters in the Gampaha district, he said.
Puttalam District Secretary, H.M.S.P. Herath said information has been gathered on all state officers assigned for election duty. A committee will ensure smooth operations, and their recommendations will be implemented after nomination day, he noted.
Additionally, polling booths equipped with ramps and other facilities will be provided for differently-abled voters. So far, 400 polling centres have been identified to serve about 662,000 voters in the district, Mr. Herath said.
Anuradhapura District Secretary, Ranjith Wimalasooriya said a committee will manage staffing, welfare, and utilities, with officers assigned to ensure smooth operations.
To accommodate voters with disabilities, polling centres will have ramps, designated navigation areas, and staff to assist. So far, 636 polling centres have been identified to serve 741,862 voters in the district.
Kandy District Secretary, Chandana Tennakoon, said that a meeting with the EC is scheduled for tomorrow to finalise security measures.
At present, 890 polling centres have been identified, serving about 1.19 million voters in the district. Mr. Tennakoon also emphasiaed that special polling booths will be set up for those with special needs.
| Labourers given a pittance as allowancesJagath Chandralal, secretary of the All Island Grama Niladhari Association, expressed concerns about the challenges at the pre-election process, particularly the insufficient allowances for labourers. The existing allowance, approved by the Election Commission, has remained unchanged from the 2020 parliamentary elections at Rs. 2,500 for two-and-a-half days. Mr. Chandralal said the amount is inadequate given the rising cost of living. Instead it should be at least three times higher. The labour force is needed for at least three days, as election sites such as schools, community centres, or state offices require cleaning before and after the election. Additionally, setting up tents and other preparations take a minimum of two days, he said. But, he said officers will engage in election duties even if relief is not provided. He also pointed out that Grama Niladharis often cover their own travel expenses. | |
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