Investigation launched over photo of marked postal ballot shared on social media

A complaint has been filed with the Vavuniya Assistant Election Commissioner’s Office against a regional politician for sharing a photo of a marked postal ballot on social media.

The politician, a central committee member of the EPRLF, allegedly took the photo at a postal voting center designated for government employees in Vavuniya.

The ballot in question was marked in favor of the Tamil common candidate.

The Chairman of the Election Commission (EC) Mr. R.M.A.L. Rathnayake has confirmed that authorities are investigating the matter, with election observers having been notified.

Details regarding the exact location of the incident remain undisclosed.

Postal voting for the 2024 Presidential Election took place on September 4, 5, and 6.

Commissioner General of Elections, Mr. Saman Sri Ratnayake, announced that a special voting period has been arranged for those unable to vote on the scheduled days. This additional opportunity will be available on September 11 and 12 at District Secretariat offices across all 25 districts.

Mr. Ratnayake added that eligible postal voters can cast their ballots during this period in the presence of a certifying officer appointed by the EC.