Election Commission issues guidelines for LG polls nominations

The Election Commission yesterday issued a notice outlining key regulations for the upcoming Local Government (LG) elections, citing strict nomination criteria and deadlines.

The notice lists 11 key points, detailing conditions under which nominations may be rejected. Nominations can be disqualified if:

• Submitted by an unauthorised person
• The number of candidates does not meet legal requirements
• A candidate fails to sign their nomination paper (in which case their name will be removed, with no allowance for substitution)
• A bond deposited on behalf of a candidate will be forfeited if their nomination is rejected

It also added that nomination submissions begin today (17) and will be accepted till 12 noon on 20 March. The nominations can be submitted daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at District Secretariat offices and Election Offices, where Returning Officers will oversee the process.

The Commission also noted that candidates must deposit their bond by 12 noon on 19 March to ensure eligibility.It added that the official date of the election will be announced on 20 March.

In addition, nominations for Mannar, Poonakary, and Dehiattakandiya Pradeshiya Sabhas will be accepted from 24-27 March, with security deposit submissions due by 12 noon on 26 March.

To ensure a smooth nomination process, the Election Commission noted it will implement heightened security at all District Secretariat offices and Election Offices from today (17) till the end of the nomination period.