Old votes to be counted at new elections

11 February 2012 04:40 am

Postal votes cast early last year by voters of Pudukudairuppu and Maritimepattu before the postponement of the polls, will be used at the March 24 mini local government elections to be held for the two Pradeshiya Sabhas, election officials said yesterday.

Additional Elections Commissioner Mr. R.M.A.L. Ratnayake said the 2011 electoral register will be used for the mini poll after updating it with the postal votes cast as postal voting was conducted using the 2009 electoral register. There are 44,682 eligible voters at the two Pradeshiya Sabhas.

He also said he expected to hold another discussion with political party representatives and NGOs to put in place a mechanism to ensure voters in the two Pradeshiya Sabhas could vote without hindrance, particularly the IDPs. (SAJ)