7 October 2019 12:10 am
By Sandun A Jayasekera
Deposits on behalf of a record number of 41 candidates for the November 16 Presidential Poll had been placed as at noon yesterday and nominations would be accepted between 9.00 and 11.00 this morning at the office of the National Elections Commission (NEC).
Among 41 candidates in the fray, 19 are from registered political parties, another 19 from independent groups and three from other political parties.
The 41 candidates are the highest number of candidates in fray for a Presidential election in Sri Lanka.
Deputy UNP leader and Minister Sajith Premadasa, SLPP candidate, former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Parliamentarian and JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, former Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa from Sri Lanka Nidahas Podujana Sandhanaya, former Army Commander, General Mahesh Senanayake from National People’s Party, Customary Presidential candidate A.S.P. Liyanage from Sri Lanka Labour Party, Duminda Nagamuwa from the Frontline Socialist Party and Battaramulle Seelarathana Thera of Janasetha Peramuna are prominent candidates among the 41.
Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya and his team of officials will accept nominations from 41 candidates, who had placed deposits by noon yesterday under Section 2 and 8 of the Presidential Election Act No. 15 of 1981.
After the acceptance of nominations is closed at 11.00 a.m., objections against any candidate can be brought until 11.30.
Mr Deshapriya has made a fervent appeal to all political parties to strictly adhere to the election laws and not to display posters, cutouts, banners, floats or any other propaganda material to promote the candidacy of any candidate other than at the ground where an election meeting is held.
However, decorations are allowed at the ground where the Presidential candidate addresses a propaganda rally. The processions of political parties and vehicles have also are forbidden other than at a ground where a legally permitted rally is being held.
Mr Deshapriya appealed to remove all cut-outs banners, floats, stickers and posters displayed at public places around the country immediately following the receiving of nominations. The party symbol, name of the candidate and posters, stickers, floats and posters can be displayed only at the ground where public rallies are held.
- Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya and his team of officials will accept nominations from 41 candidates, who had placed deposits by noon yesterday under Section 2 and 8 of the Presidential Election Act No. 15 of 1981
- Deshapriya appealed to remove all cutouts banners, floats, stickers and posters displayed at public places around the country immediately following the receiving of nominations. The party symbol, name of the candidate and posters, stickers, floats and posters can be displayed only at the ground where public rallies are held