Silence period begins ahead of 14 Nov. election

Monday, 11 November 2024 04:24 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

As Parliamentary Election approaches, a mandated silence period begins midnight today lasting until Election Day on 14 November.

During this time period, all campaign activities will be prohibited, including public rallies, promotional material distribution, and door-to-door canvassing. Police are empowered to arrest anyone violating these regulations.

Campaigning officially ended at midnight on 11 November, and the Election Commission of Sri Lanka (ECSL) has further instructed that all election offices for candidates must be dismantled by midnight on 12 November.

Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake has cautioned candidates that any breach of the silence period will result in legal consequences.

“I urge all candidates and their supporters to refrain from campaigning during this silent period. In recent elections, we have seen candidates and even their family members continue campaigning during this time. Those found violating election laws risk losing their seats if prosecuted,” Ratnayake said.

He also highlighted that the ECSL has collaborated with social media platforms to ensure election propaganda is removed during the cooling off period, aiming to uphold a fair and impartial environment ahead of Election Day.

This year, a record 690 political parties and independent groups are competing across 22 electoral districts. The Digamadulla district sees the highest number of contestants with 64 parties and groups, while the Polonnaruwa and Monaragala districts recorded the fewest, with 15 groups in each.

On 14 November, polling stations will open at 7 a.m. and close at 4 p.m., allowing citizens to elect 225 members to Parliament.