The acceptance of nominations for the upcoming Local Government elections will begin today, March 17. In a notice issued by the National Election Commission, candidates are advised of key conditions regarding the nomination process, which includes 11 important points outlining when a nomination may be rejected.
The Commission stated that nominations could be disqualified if submitted by an unauthorized person or if the number of candidates does not meet the required amount. Additionally, any nomination paper that lacks the candidate's signature will be removed from the list, with no substitute name allowed. Furthermore, any bond deposited on behalf of a candidate will be forfeited if their nomination is rejected.
The nomination period will remain open until 12 noon on March 20, with submissions accepted daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at District Secretariat offices and Election Offices. Returning Officers will oversee the process. Candidates must ensure that their bond is deposited by 12 noon on March 19.
The Election Commission has also confirmed that the official date for the Local Government elections will be announced on March 20. For candidates in the Mannar, Poonakary, and Dehiattakandiya pradeshiya sabhas, the nomination period will be held from March 24 to March 27, with the deadline for security deposit submissions set for 12 noon on March 26.
To ensure smooth proceedings, enhanced security measures will be implemented at all District Secretariat offices and Election Offices starting today. R.M.A.L. Ratnayake, Chairman of the Election Commission, urged candidates to submit their nominations promptly, while also being mindful of the ongoing 2024 GCE Ordinary Level Examination.
Additionally, the acceptance of postal vote applications for 336 Local Government Institutions will close at midnight today.
