Candidates must sign Affidavits:ec

The National Elections Commission (NEC) has informed all candidates who are willing to contest the November 16 Presidential Election that they had to submit affidavits to the Commission expressing their agreement to four basic requirements that have to be followed.

The Legal Director of the NEC Nimal Punchihewa said the candidates should express their consent, through their affidavits, not to violate the provisions of the Constitution, not to engage in any business activities with any government institution, to act according to the ethical tenets and to follow the instructions of the NEC.

Punchihewa stated that the objectives of this move are to ensure conducting of a free and fair election so that untainted public opinion is manifested in the outcome of the election.

He also stressed that all candidates have to submit their assets declaration today which also the day allocated for tendering nominations.

Tight security arrangements have been made in and around the Election Secretariat in Rajagiriya, Colombo because of today’s nomination process.

The Legal Director of the NEC Nimal Punchihewa said the candidates should express their consent, through their affidavits, not to violate the provisions of the Constitution, not to engage in any business activities with any government institution, to act according to the ethical tenets and to follow the instructions of the NEC