Special security plan as postal voting for presidential poll gets underway today

A special security plan will be in place for the postal voting of the presidential election will get underway today (Oct 31), police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said.

Public sector employees will be allowed to cast their postal votes today and tomorrow, while police officers will vote on November 4 and 5 failing which they could do so on Nov 7.

Issuing a statement, the police spokesman stated that the police headquarters has issued instructions to carry out mobile patrols during the voting period.

Special security will be provided to certain areas after considering the necessity of such a requirement based on incidents which have taken place in the past, Gunasekara said in his statement.

The spokesman emphasised that engaging in election-related activities within a 500-metre radius of a voting centre would be considered as an offence.

Among these activities are promoting presidential candidates by distributing leaflets, posters, or erecting cut-outs, and banners, he said.

However, Gunasekara noted that election offices which have been legally set-up within this distance will be allowed to carry out its activities.

He added that displaying cut-outs of presidential candidates which have already been installed after meeting the legal requirements, will be allowed during this time period.