Presidential poll results likely to be released only on Nov 18 : EC Chairman

The results of this year's presidential election will possibly be announced only by November 18, Election Commission (EC) Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya said today (Oct 16).

Addressing a news conference, Deshapriya explained that the counting process will take a longer time due to the large number of candidates which stands at 35.

The Presidential election is scheduled to be held on November 16.

Meanwhile, Deshapriya stated that Army Commander Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva has been given a week, to clarify regarding the usage of his photograph in an advertisement promoting a presidential candidate.

He added that the Presidential Secretariat, Defence Secretary, and the political party represented by the candidate, have been notified regarding a complaint received against the advertisement.

Meanwhile, the polls chief said that state media outlets will be issued a final warning to refrain from biased reporting and to grant all presidential candidates equal airtime.

While pointing out that the EC has been receiving more than 50 complaints daily, against the conduct of state media outlets, Deshapriya warned that strict action would be taken against state media institutions that violate regulations.

The EC Chairman added that he expects a voter turnout of 85 percent at the upcoming election and that Sri Lankan migrants workers too are expected to arrive in the country for the vote.

Meanwhile, Deshapriya said that the EC will obtain the assistance of the Indian government or the Moratuwa University, to introduce an electronic voting system in the future.

The polls chief said he hopes to implement a trial of this mechanism in one province at the next provincial election.