Not granting leave to cast vote a punishable offense - EC

• Leave for this purpose shall be granted for not less than four hours in duration without loss of pay
• The District Returning Officers should upon the request of the voter,  tear the polling card and hand over the part to the voter to be  presented to the employer of the worker as a proof

By Sheain Fernandopulle  

Not granting leave to employees to exercise their franchise at the upcoming election was an offense that could be prosecuted in the Magistrate Court and punished, the National Elections Commission said yesterday.   
“Any employer of a worker, who is entitled to vote at the Parliamentary Election to be held on  5th August, 2020, should make a written request for leave for voting and accordingly, the employer should grant leave for a period sufficient to exercise the worker’s franchise,” it said.   

“The relevant Act states that leave for this purpose shall be granted for not less than four hours in duration without loss of pay,” it added.   

“Section 722 (1) of the Parliamentary Elections Act stipulates that a statement setting out the names of employees granted leave on the written request of the applicants and the periods for which such persons have been granted such leave shall be conspicuously exhibited at the place of employment.”   

The Commission further said the District Returning Officers should upon the request of the voter, tear the polling card and hand over the part to the voter to be presented to the employer of the worker as a proof.

• Any employer of a worker, who is entitled to vote at the Parliamentary Election to be held on  5th August, 2020, should make a written request for leave for voting