Cost of upcoming polls to double

Due to social distancing measures

Political party secretaries have been informed yesterday that the cost of the upcoming Parliamentary Election will double if social distancing measures are to be implemented, the Daily Mirror learns.

Party Secretaries had a meeting with National Elections Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya yesterday with regards to the Parliamentary Election scheduled for June 20.

UNP sources said concerns had been raised over the uncertainty with regards to the date of the election in light of it now being challenged in court.

Deshapriya had informed the party secretaries that he was awaiting the outcome of a court ruling on the petitions filed against holding the election on June 20.

A number of individuals had filed petitions in the Supreme Court seeking an order against the election being held on June 20, claiming that the environment was not conducive with the coronavirus not yet fully under control.

The Election Commission Chairman had told the Party Secretaries that steps which need to be taken to ensure the safety of voters and election staff are now being discussed in the event the election is going to be held as scheduled.

UNP sources said the Chairman, however had noted that holding the election on schedule would mean the cost of the election would double. Among the safety measures being discussed are placing a single polling box in a room, instead of multiple boxes.

Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror also learns that foreign observers invited for the election, including the European Union have not been informed of any decision to postpone the election. Sources said that foreign observers are in the process of making arrangements to travel to Sri Lanka if and when travel restrictions are lifted, to be in the country in time for the elections.