Local Government Election 2023

CMEV expresses its deep concern about the indefinite postponement of the postal voting for the LocalGovernment Election 2023. It has been reported that this is due to the Government Printer’s refusal tosubmit the printed postal voting ballot papers on time to the Election Commission. CMEV learnt that the Government Printer sent a letter to the Election Commission yesterday, February13, 2023, informing it that it is unable to process the printing of ballot papers until the full cost for theprinting is made by the Commission. This was in line with the President’s recent direction on January 31,2023, to heads of government authorities to not purchase services on a credit basis. CMEV believes that the disruption of the postal voting could impact holding the Local GovernmentElection 2023 as scheduled on March 9, 2023. The Government’s actions have created immenseuncertainty for voters regarding the Local Government Election, and this is a direct violation of the rightto vote that is guaranteed for all citizens under the Constitution of Sri Lanka. CMEV highlights it is theresponsibility of the Executive to create an enabling environment for conducting the Local GovernmentElections, as per the Constitution. The conduct of the Government Printer is specifically a violation of Article 104B(2) of the Constitutionwhich states that it is the duty of all authorities of the State to co-operate with the Election Commissionto enforce all laws relating to holding elections. Refusal or failure to carry out this duty is a criminal offenceunder Article 104GG of the Constitution. CMEV specifically urges the Election Commission to exercise itspowers under this Article to take action against the Government Printer and any other public authoritydisrupting the election process. Download in Sinhala Download in Tamil Download in English