Upgrade of election system needed

As Sri Lanka prepares for Presidential elections in the coming months, it is a good moment to reflect on the necessity to modernise the voting methodology that would grant Sri Lankan citizens overseas the opportunity to utilise their franchise. 

Today, at least two million Sri Lankan expatriates and dual citizens reside abroad. Many maintain strong ties to Sri Lanka and actively participate in the political process. The number of visits undertaken by political leaders to these countries is testament to the vibrancy of these Sri Lankan communities abroad. Yet, these visits and engagements are limited to fundraising. No political leader has committed to granting the opportunity to these Sri Lankans the opportunity to utilise the franchise. 

Currently, the archaic constraints of physical presence within the country hinder their ability to participate fully in the democratic process. Under these regulations, expatriates and dual citizens cannot use their right to vote unless they make a trip to Sri Lanka on election day. They do not even have the option of mailing in their vote which is limited to public servants involved in election duty. It is high time that Sri Lanka joins other progressive democracies in embracing modern voting methods, such as mail-in voting, to ensure inclusivity and representation for all citizens, regardless of their global whereabouts.

Several countries, including those in our immediate region, have successfully implemented mail-in voting systems, demonstrating both their feasibility and effectiveness. Some use mail-in ballots while others have opened up their embassies as polling centres for citizens to physically cast their ballots. These systems have proven to be secure, convenient, and reliable, safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process while expanding democratic participation.

For decades, Sri Lanka has maintained in-person voting at designated polling stations which has remained largely unchanged. While this method served its purpose in the past, societal advancements and technological innovations now demand a more accessible and flexible approach to voting. Introducing mail-in voting and electronic voting systems will not only align Sri Lanka with global standards but also empower every eligible citizen to exercise their democratic right without unnecessary barriers.

Electronic voting, in particular, holds immense potential to revolutionise the electoral system by allowing citizens to cast their votes securely from anywhere in the world. This would not only streamline the voting and counting processes but also enhance voter turnout. The chances for malpractice and voter fraud would also be reduced not to mention the colossal cost incurred by the State.

Critics may raise concerns about the security and reliability of mail-in and electronic voting systems. However, advancements in technology have enabled the development of robust security protocols to safeguard against fraud and manipulation. Countries that have adopted these systems have implemented stringent measures to ensure the integrity and transparency of elections, setting a precedent for Sri Lanka to follow suit.

Moreover, the participation of expatriate Sri Lankans in the democratic process is not just a matter of convenience but a matter of principle. Every citizen, regardless of their location, deserves the right to have their voice heard in shaping the future of our nation. The franchise remains one of the fundamental of rights of any citizen. By enacting legislation to enable voting for expatriates and exploring the feasibility of electronic voting, Sri Lanka would reaffirm its commitment to democratic values and inclusivity. It is hoped that at least by the next election cycle policymakers will prioritise this reform to upgrade the election system and enable greater participation of its citizens in the process.