Sri Lanka’s election body has said it will decide the date for the parliamentary election on Monday, June 8, after discussing a set of health guidelines provided by the health ministry to conduct the poll.
“The health ministry has given us a document listing out the health guidelines to be followed during the election,” National Election Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya said on Wednesday.
He added that the document had been finalized following four rounds of discussions between the polls body and the health ministry that began on April 29.
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“We will discuss this with our district offices,” Deshapriya told reporters at media briefing.
He added that matters concerning the issuance of serial numbers for candidates will also be decided during a meeting between NEC members on Monday.
A significant feature of this year’s election would be the presence of health officials at polling centres, according to the polls chief.
“Do not conduct massive rallies or transport people for political meetings. Always maintain social distancing,” Deshapriya stressed.
He added that pocket meetings can be held with the participation of a maximum of 30 people and three speakers, while maintaining physical distance.
The NEC Chairman warned that strict action would be taken against the misuse of state property for election propoganda until the results of the poll are announced.
The election had earlier been fixed for June 20, but the NEC had informed the supreme court that the poll cannot be held on this date.
SOURCE – NEWS FIRST
