CMEV expresses its deep concern about the indefinite postponement of the postal voting for the Local
Government Election 2023. It has been reported that this is due to the Government Printer’s refusal to
submit 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, February
13, 2023, informing it that it is unable to process the printing of ballot papers until the full cost for the
printing 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 Government
Election 2023 as scheduled on March 9, 2023. The Government’s actions have created immense
uncertainty for voters regarding the Local Government Election, and this is a direct violation of the right
to vote that is guaranteed for all citizens under the Constitution of Sri Lanka. CMEV highlights it is the
responsibility of the Executive to create an enabling environment for conducting the Local Government
Elections, as per the Constitution.

The conduct of the Government Printer is specifically a violation of Article 104B(2) of the Constitution
which states that it is the duty of all authorities of the State to co-operate with the Election Commission
to enforce all laws relating to holding elections. Refusal or failure to carry out this duty is a criminal offence
under Article 104GG of the Constitution. CMEV specifically urges the Election Commission to exercise its
powers under this Article to take action against the Government Printer and any other public authority
disrupting the election process.

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