No barrier to forming councils without majority: EC

Voter participation was lower compared to the 2018 polls 

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

In the recently concluded Local Government Election, it’s not a barrier to form an administration where there is no majority, said Commissioner General of Elections, Saman Sri Ratnayake.   

“There is no obstacle to forming an administration where no single party has a majority,” Ratnayake told reporters. “Councils can either come to a consensus or select a Mayor or Chairman through a vote, as we saw in the Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha where the NPP was supported by other parties.”  

Responding to concerns over voter turnout in the 2025 Local Government Elections, Ratnayake acknowledged that participation was lower compared to the 2018 polls.  

“It is generally observed that people are less enthusiastic about voting in local elections,” he said.   
“The 2018 local government elections were an exception, with an unprecedented 78 percent turnout. This year, it ranged between 55 to 60 percent, which is the average level.”  

Ratnayake also noted that the election was largely peaceful despite a few isolated incidents of violence.  

Meanwhile, the National People’s Power (NPP) has emerged as the clear frontrunner, securing 4,503,930 votes (43.26%) and 3,927 seats across the island.  

The NPP leads in 266 local councils, including 23 Municipal Councils, 26 Urban Councils, and 217 Pradeshiya Sabhas.